Kent Lauderback, 87, says even with his pension and Social Security benefits, it's still not enough for him to get by when you throw in mounting medical bills.
"I've got more bills than I’ve got income. I got Social Security, I get $131 a month in retirement from the telephone company. That's my income," said Lauderback.
He and several other seniors in Silverdale have turned to panhandling to help them get some extra cash.
Lauderback says he does it when he needs to, but he's not proud of it.
"It is embarrassing as hell when I’ve worked all my life and paid my way," said Lauderback.
His sign reads, "87 Yrs Old Navy Vet Needs Help Hate to Beg Ask Me Why."
Stacey James with the Veterans Assistance Program for Kitsap County says she's aware of several vets who aren't homeless but are panhandling.
"I was, No. 1, horrified and it made me question whether or not he or she were tapping into the resources that were available," said James.
She says veterans can access an emergency fund ranging from $900 to $1,100 a year if they need it.
Lauderback has already benefits from that fund, but says with all of his bills it's still not enough.
He says he'll continue to rely on the kindness of strangers when needed.
"God bless the people, I've had some help. It's not the best in the world but I’ve had some help from them," said Lauderback.
A spokesperson for the VA Puget Sound Health Care System said he is aware of Lauderback's situation.
After hearing about Lauderback, he said that a social worker was sent to Silverdale to try and find him to see if he could be helped.
"From housing assistance to medical care, we believe there may be a couple of areas in which we can offer help. We have not yet had success reaching the veteran, but our social worker teams are continuing to try," said Chad Hutson, public affairs officer, VA Puget Sound Health Care System