“Since then I've lived with other people and lived in rooms, shared an apartment, that kind of thing. [I’ve] lived in my vehicle, different stuff; lived on the street,” said Barnes.
The Veteran's Plaza is a West Care project that's still under construction. Barnes is the first tenant. He and his dog "Baby Girl" moved in about a month ago.
“I've noticed just a big change in my confidence, and my esteem. When you're out there on the street, it's easy to get lost out there,” said Barnes.
Denham is trying to help prevent veterans homelessness with a bill he introduced Monday. It would help vets land jobs in the fields where they've been trained.
“Whether you're a truck driver or a mechanic a number of other career fields, we want to make sure that you're certified in the military so it's the same certification that you would have in a civilian job,” said Denham, a republican representing the 19th district.
Soon every apartment will be filled with veterans like Barnes, who're trying to get their lives back on track.
“[Barnes] is a great story because he's been through a lot,” said Elizabeth Vasquez, who works with veterans at the San Joaquin Valley Veterans center.
Donations to furnish 14 apartments are needed. Drop-offs are being accepted at