Neonkita Frazier helps Veterans fight homelessness and became Volunteer Florida’s Volunteer of the Year!

Neonkita Frazier is on a mission to help Veterans experiencing homelessness access the benefits they deserve. She became a trusted advocate to more than twenty Veterans as she helped them transition from a shelter to a place they could call home. Her commitment and compassion earned her the recognition of Volunteer of the Year by Volunteer Florida.

Neonkita understands from experience what it’s like to be homeless and struggle to navigate the services you desperately need. That’s why when she met a homeless Veteran trying to earn some money by putting her groceries in her trunk, she decided to help.

“I have always had a big heart for those that served our country, and it breaks my heart to see Veterans struggling for their basic needs. My unfortunate life experiences have given me the perfect skills to guide these heroes into a life of independence and the freedom they deserve,” said Frazier.

Frazier is a member of Operation: Veteran Connect, which mobilizes Veterans and military family members to help Tampa Bay Veterans in need. As a volunteer, Frazier sees firsthand the growing number of Veterans struggling to navigate the complex maze of services that are supposed to help them.

Ever since that chance meeting in the grocery store parking lot, Neonkita has put her effort into helping homeless Veterans. She started meeting every week with a group of seven Veterans living at New Beginnings of Tampa, a transitional housing program that provides people with a place to live while helping them stabilize their lives. Within six weeks, all seven Veterans had found an affordable apartment and learned how to utilize rental assistance vouchers designated for homeless Veterans. This success earned Frazier the trust of other Veterans, and now she is guiding fourteen more Veterans through the complicated process to help them transform their lives.

Veterans easily recognize Neonkita as she drives her big red truck named Clifford around the Veteran apartment complex. Her heart is as big as her truck, and Neonkita doesn’t stop caring once Veterans move into their apartment. Every week you’ll find Neonkita and Clifford driving around town to pick up furniture, clothing, and food donations to deliver to the Veterans. Her goal is to give them a home and a pathway to success. She’s gathered an entire community of volunteers, donations, and resources to furnish apartments, provide food, and connect to social services setting each Veteran up for long-term success.

Neonkita is an example to us all of how one dedicated volunteer can change the life of many. If you would like to help Neonkita and Operation: Veteran Connect support Veterans moving into housing, contact Pam Plager at pplager@seniorsinservice.org.