The Circle of Veterans and Families, Inc. (COV) is a 501c3 charitable organization located on the 10 acre Circle V Ranch in Dade City/Lacoochee, Pasco County, Florida. We have modified a ranch for the purpose of creating an educational, relaxing, and rejuvenating space, whether for an hour, a day or as a resident in transition. We are here to support Veterans and do our part in ending Veteran suicide and Homelessness.
COV is a VA Choice Card Provider.
Hi, my name is Samantha Ridley After finishing his last tour in Afghanistan, his tearful interpreter told him “You fought harder for the Afghan people than the Afghan people do.” That statement helped motivate him and he has never forgotten it. He feels that he is his brother’s keeper and it’s his duty to work as hard to help our veterans as he did… Continue reading About
Safe Haven Registration Hours of Operation Monday 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday 8 am to 4 pm Wednesday 8 am to 4 pm Thursday 8 am to 4 pm Friday 8 am to 4 pm Saturday CLOSED Sunday CLOSED *Veteran must register with or be registered with the James Haley VA Hospital in Tampa.… Continue reading Contact
The Circle of Veterans Ranch VA Sponsored Emergency Beds The main building is a 4,200 sq ft home/lodge. It has 4 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds. Up to a total of 8 beds. The bedrooms offer more-thanadequate storage and security for personal belongings There are 5 bathrooms There is a full-size kitchen and a… Continue reading Facility
My name is Tony Davidson. I joined the Army in March 2005 as an Infantry Indirect Fire Mortar man 11C. I served in Mosul, Bagdad and Bakuba in 2006-2007. I was honorably discharged from the military in July 2009.
Upon my discharge, I lived in Washington State for about a year completely on my own without any connection to the VA. A year later I moved to California to seek a formal education. However, from my experiences in a war zone I was having a difficult time focusing, remembering and having appropriate thinking processes. This ensued in my first homelessness experience.
I maintained my enrollment in school and, through the post 9/11 GI Bill, was able to secure housing. Nonetheless, nine months later I could not handle school anymore and dropped out losing my Post 9/11 GI Bill, and becoming homeless for a second time. During that episode of homelessness, I tampered with illegal substances as I felt it was a way to cope with my mental health issues. It was the only hope in my life.
It was only until 2011 that I decided to return home to Tampa, Florida. During that time I was couch surfing in family and friends homes. In January 2017, I was finally admitted to the ARC at the VA hospital. I spend 17 days in that lock down facility. Then I was enrolled in two different shelters: one veteran focused, the other general population.
I was picked up at the Veterans Homeless outreach office by Manny on the 1st of March. While at the farm I was connected to a primary care provider, VA mental health providers, and even agencies to help me secure permanent housing as I continue my treatment for physical health and mental health. I also applied to Medicaid, food assistance, Non-Service connected disability benefits and service connected disability benefits through The Circle of Veterans. I was also provided with a referral to an agency that will assist me in settling my child support so I can get back into the workforce; all with the focus of finally reaching self-sufficiency.
Even further, at the farm I built camaraderie, a sense of pride in self, and team building skills. I really don’t think I could have achieved so much without their help, Thank You Circle of Veterans.
The Circle of Veterans and Families, Inc. 