TAMPA, Fla. — Someone to listen and assist veterans in need 24 hours a day. 

Jamie McPherson said that's why the Florida Veterans Help Line exists. 

"We have more opportunities and options for veterans and any callers that are able to get connected to services," he said. 

McPherson is the Veteran Ambassador for the support line at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

He is an expert on the resources veterans have available to them.

A Marine Corps veteran, before working at the crisis center, he was in a difficult situation.

"I was working for Homeland Security for 11 years," he said. "I was part of the TSA and I hurt my back."

Out of work for more than a year, he was close to being evicted from his home. 

While going through that hardship, he didn't know the crisis center could help.

McPherson said the aid he received has shaped his life since.

"How can we be expected to help the community if we can't take care of our own," McPherson asked. "That's stuck with me and that's been with me the last 10 and a half years here at the crisis center."

Whether veterans are dealing with housing issues, suicidal ideation, or other problems, McPherson encourages those struggling to call 1-844-myflvet or 2-1-1 to reach someone who can help.

The support line has been around since 2014.

It’s a statewide program operated by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.