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You see, Kelloway was a Marine Corps veteran who fell on hard times. He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, drug and alcohol abuse. He was even homeless for almost two years and had to live in his car.

But he said he felt like God told him to open a coffee shop and hire homeless veterans.

READ: Northeast Florida’s unsheltered homeless population rises as state and local leaders seek solutions

He started his business in 2015. Since then, he said that helped eight homeless veterans return to civilian life.

“The eight we hired have been in different stages of life. Some homeless people in shelters, others got help from the VA but still need mentoring,” Kelloway said.

One person Kelloway helped said it changed his life.

“It gave me a chance to reevaluate things and become a much better person,” veteran Michael Perron said.

After working for Kelloway, Perron was about to get a new job, a house, and custody of his children. Perron said Kelloway gave him something he would never forget.

READ: This week on 904: Sponsor of bill to prevent homeless people from sleeping in public speaks to ANJ

“Giving a veteran who was transitioning a sense of purpose,” Perron said.

According to Changing Homeless, there are currently 222 homeless veterans in Duval County. This represents an increase of 30 people compared to last year.

Kelloway said his goal is to reduce that number one cup of coffee at a time.

According to Changing Homeless, 214 veterans were housed over the past year.

If you would like to support Kelloway’s cause, visit their website by clicking here.

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