SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Real-life struggles are being felt by millions of Americans due to the government shutdown as it passes the three-week mark.
That includes in San Jose, where an unhoused resident is trying to shine a light on the issues he and others are facing.
The shutdown decision, or lack thereof, comes from lawmakers in Washington, D.C. But it’s felt by Raymond Delgado on the streets of San Jose.
“The shutdown has been the straw that has broken the camel’s back,” Delgado said.
Delgado has been trying to survive while unhoused for 10 years now, and he says the shutdown has made a tough situation even worse.
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He’s a proud Army veteran and says the services usually provided to him by the VA and government are harder to access as the shutdown continues.
“I don’t have my food stamps,” Delgado said. “I’m wondering if I’ll ever get my social security. Can’t get my confirmation on the eligibility for the VA. I can’t get confirmation for anything.”
The Department of Veteran Affairs has created a contingency plan to continue and try to support all veterans who need it.
While some resources have been temporarily cut, homelessness services are continuing, according to a VA spokesperson.
Delgado says some of what’s still being offered to him does not necessarily work for him, and he’s hoping an agreement can bring everything he needs back online.
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“I may not wake up one day. I have congestive heart failure,” Delgado said. “I’m working with half a heart. I’m not even supposed to be out here. The elements and me, and the great outdoors are not getting along right now. I’m supposed to be indoors and, as a veteran, we should be.”
Delgado recognizes that he is not the only person negatively impacted by the government shutdown.
He fought for his country. Now, he’s calling on his country to fight for him and many others who are suffering.
“Trump knows this, the Democrats know this, the Republicans know this, everybody knows this,” Delgado said. “But they want to play games, and they’re playing with my life. They’re playing with their lives. I can die tomorrow, so what? No one cares or will remember my name, but you ‘ve got people with kids out here, people with families, elderly senior citizens — what are they going to eat? Where are they going to go? What are they going to do?”
These are questions that Delgado says we all deserve answers to, as Washington continues its standstill.
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