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It’s the First Step Toward Changing Lives

employment, education and access to health and dental care. “I found purpose in helping people struggling, especially
“We give them a safe haven where they can take the steps to veterans,” he said.
work on themselves and a community of like-minded people,” Of Warrior Homes Alex said, “I would never be here without
Mullin said. “We tell them we are going to hold them to a higher this program, and the start Alpha House gave me. It really did save
standard, and we make them accountable. They need to know my life…Looking back, I’m so grateful and all of it brought me to
someone cares.” the moment I’m in now.”
A Place that Cares A Supportive Community
Alex Kane knows someone cares. The former Navy officer Alpha House serves as a vital refuge for homeless veterans,
found himself on the street after being arrested seven times for providing them with not only shelter but also a supportive
misdemeanor alcohol-related offenses and pawning off all his community aimed at reintegration into society. To date, it has
belongings for drug money. Five years later, in 2022, after countless housed 47 local veterans who stay on average for six months. The
stints in and out of rehab and failed attempts at recovery, Alex average age is 57 years old. The residents of Alpha House come
found himself waiting for an opening in yet another recovery from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique stories of
program when his therapist told him about Warrior Homes’ service and struggle.
transitional living house specifically for veterans. At Alpha House, these veterans find a sense of camaraderie and
“I didn’t want another sober living house,” Alex said, “they had understanding among peers who have shared similar experiences.
all failed.” But with nowhere left to go and Warrior Homes offering Overall, these once-homeless men exemplify resilience and
a ride to Alpha House and 24/7 support, a plan was solidified. determination, as they work toward a brighter future, supported
“That decision was the best one I ever made,” Alex stated by a one-of-a-kind community that values their sacrifices and
emphatically. “The camaraderie, the amount of love I felt from contributions.
everyone at Alpha House was incredible. That gave me a lot of About the Author
hope. Also, they held me accountable. They helped me get my GI Aaron Schultz is the director of operations for Warrior Homes of
Bill together to get my master’s degree in mental health counseling, Collier. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the South Dakota
and I began to develop that veteran identity.” National Guard for over 29 years, including deployments to the
Today, more than three years sober, Alex lives a life of service Middle East during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring
again. On Dec. 29 he became a full-time employee at David Freedom.
Lawrence Center as a mental health clinician.
Life in Naples |February 2026 61