PORTLAND, Ore. -- Imagine serving several tours in Iraq, then coming home to trying to find work in today's job market.
Derek John is doing just that. Home in Oregon just two weeks, John is actively searching for work and a career after serving two tours in Iraw.
He's one of hundreds of Veterans looking for leads at a Portland job and housing fair on Monday. He's one of an estimated 10,000 Veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan,
Central City Concern and other Veterans groups organized the second annual employment fair.
"Essentially, we have everything from haircuts to social service providers, housing, clothing, Veterans benefits - anything a Veteran may need to get back on their feet," Melissa Bensink, of Central City explained.
Last year the event helped 600 Veterans.
Luis Garcia, a Vietnam Veteran who just moved to Portland and landed a job with a chemical company thanks to help from Central City, is sharing his success story.
"We didn't have this when I was coming back, so I'm glad to see it."
He likens the the second annual job and housing fair to winning the lottery. He likes the fact so many groups are located in one place.
"It's better than the Lottery I tell you."
One in four Americans living on the street is a Veteran.
Central City Concern pulled together this event for a second year to prevent that number from growing.
"With the returning veterans (from Iraq and Afghanistan) we don't want that number to increase," Bensink said. "We want them to take advantage of services now , so they don't end up homeless."
Anyone who missed Monday's job fair may call Central City Concern in downtown Portland for help.
