Seminole County deputy helps homeless veteran find a new home after sleeping on park bench for 2 years

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SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A homeless veteran in Sanford now has a place to live thanks to the kindness of a Seminole County deputy.

Deputy Carl Tipton raised $2,000 to help cover rental fees, and helped him find a place to move in.

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Tipton found out that Richard Pajaula, who he met last week sitting on his walker, bible in hand and his suitcase at his side, had been homeless for two years. Pajaula said he had been sleeping on a park bench every night, and although he receives a monthly check from Veterans Affairs, he didn't have enough for a security deposit and other fees to rent a place.

Tipton loaded Pajaula’s suitcase and belongings into the back of his truck and drove him to his new home.

Due to the overwhelming response to the Sheriff’s Office Facebook post about their story, the fundraiser link to support Pajaula has been reopened. Click here to donate.