After high school, Paul Valdez joined the Navy to escape the crime and violence that lured others in his Los Angeles neighborhood. He reenlisted after 9-11 to help in the war effort, but after returning to civilian life, he struggled to find good jobs and decent housing, even living his car at times. The lack of assistance he found in Southern California left him feeling abandoned. All that changed as a twist of fate brought Paul to Central Texas where Front Steps, Caritas of Austin and Mary Lee Foundation were there to help. Click below to watch his Keep Austin Affordable video feature.