Family of disabled veteran living on the street finally gets help

EVERETT -- A disabled veteran, his wife and three small children are thanking the community for caring.

Eric Wells is proud to be a veteran who served our country for 15 years. He traveled the world before landing in Everet..

"It's a very hard life, you never know what comes, you live day by day and it's just hard on the kids," Wells said.



They keep everything they own in a shopping cart.

(Photo: KCPQ-TV)



"I worry about the safety of my kids, where are we going day by day, what are we gonna do, what are we gonna eat?" he said.

The family gets by on food stamps and donations.

Wells said he lost his job a few years ago and was evicted from his home after he couldn't pay the rent. He hasn't been able to find work in years and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and knee and back problems.

When he applies for housing, Wells says he is denied because of the eviction on his record.

"I just try to find a shady area and I try to stay out of people's way," Wells said.

(Facebook photo)



Out of the way but not invisible. The family caught the attention of a woman driving back who snapped a photo and posted it on Facebook. Dozens of people wanted to help.

Daniel Roehl comes to check on the family every day.

"No little girl should be living on the street," Roehl said. "They don't have the means to do what everybody else is able to do and it's kind of nice seeing the community step up and help them out in that aspect."

The community is so determined to help the Wells family that an online fundraiser was started.

"Hopefully it can get better soon -- I hope it does," Wells said.

This is when the story gets better.

During an interview with Q13 FOX News, the family received word that they are finally being placed in temporary housing.

"I'm really thankful for that," said wife Nicole Wells. "I really appreciate everything that people do."



The fundraising page posted by the community has raised more than $900.

The goal -- $10,000 -- to help a veteran and his family who have been through so much.