Editor’s note: This story is the first in a series about the Salvation Army’s impact in Ventura County and launches The Star’s annual Julius Gius Bellringer campaign.
Jay Gage is a 64-year-old man who has endured hardship from an early age.
When he was 3 years old, he was hit by a car and his legs were injured. Arthritis has affected him because of his injuries, and he is now disabled, using a cane to walk.
Gage was living on the streets for about a decade after his wife died. He began using drugs and alcohol, ending up in prison for a time. He was given early release after six years. Gage was frequently encouraged by people to get help for his addictions and to give up living on the streets.
One day, he finally decided to come to One-Stop at the Salvation Army Oxnard Corps facility. It was there that he was given hotel vouchers, but unfortunately those were removed.
Venancio “Vinny” Pantoja from the County of Ventura told Gage that he wouldn’t give up on him. Pantoja was able to connect Gage with Denise Adams, social services director at The Salvation Army. Pantoja brought him into the Hope Center in Ventura.