Q&A
Council Member Paladino questions Timothy Pena about his veteran experiences
2:24:53
ยท
103 sec
Council Member Vickie Paladino engages in a Q&A session with Timothy Pena, inquiring about his experiences as a veteran in Phoenix and his decision to move to New York City. Pena explains his background and the reasons for his relocation, including his struggle with mental health issues.
- Paladino asks about the contrast between veteran services in Phoenix and New York City
- Pena shares his personal history of homelessness and recovery in Phoenix
- The conversation touches on Pena's decision to move to New York for a fresh start and to address ongoing mental health challenges
Vickie Paladino
2:24:53
Timothy, excuse me.
2:24:55
I I don't I I need to be a little bit more educated on you spoke about, Phoenix in in in Arizona.
Timothy Pena
2:25:03
Yes.
Vickie Paladino
2:25:04
I am just very curious.
2:25:06
If they ran such a great program there, there's several levels to this question.
2:25:12
Why did you come to New York knowing that our services stink?
2:25:17
I mean, if you were if you were getting treated as well as you were getting treated in Phoenix, Arizona, I I don't know what provoked you to come here.
Timothy Pena
2:25:27
1, I'm born and raised in Arizona.
2:25:32
We all have history from our old communities.
2:25:35
It just wouldn't go away.
Vickie Paladino
2:25:38
I get it.
2:25:38
Okay.
2:25:39
So you needed a fresh page.
Timothy Pena
2:25:40
I struggle with suicide ideation.
Vickie Paladino
2:25:42
Totally get it.
2:25:43
Okay.
2:25:44
Understood.
Timothy Pena
2:25:44
In 2016, when I became homeless and I went into Mana House Mhmm.
2:25:51
I filed my claim.
2:25:53
Mhmm.
2:25:54
I received my award.
2:25:57
I left the VA homeless program.
2:26:01
Mhmm.
2:26:01
I moved into my own apartment.
2:26:04
I was there for 5 years before I and, before I came to New York.
2:26:09
When I started struggling in 2021, like, really struggling Mhmm.
2:26:15
I knew I had to leave.
2:26:17
One of the things that I learned through the GPD program and the community engagement, including the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, was to be able able to identify when I was going down that path again.
Vickie Paladino
2:26:33
Got it.
Timothy Pena
2:26:33
That's when I made the move.
2:26:35
Got it.
Robert Holden
2:26:35
Okay.