BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The latest census numbers show over 300 homeless veterans living in Brevard County, along with 4,400 residents living in poverty.

“Mr. George” has been on the streets for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Satellite Beach and is a Marine veteran.

“You have your days when it’s good, and your days when you’re not good,” he said. “You take it as it goes.”

It’s been difficult for George, like many others who are homeless, to apply for help. He said he’s not confident in applying online, which has been a technological barrier he can’t seem to break.

Six months ago, the owner of Reynolds Air & Heat on U.S. 1, Zach Reynolds, approached George on the street and offered him a job.

“He said, ‘Do you want to fly ‘Old Glory’?’” George recalled. “I said, ‘yeah,’ and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

For several hours each weekday, he sits at the corner of the building with the American flag displayed. George has quickly become a local celebrity.

When drivers honk, he yells “Oorah,” the Marine battle cry.

“I am happy Zach is allowing me to do this,” George said.

Reynolds said he asked dozens of homeless in the area to take the flag waving job — all said no.

“Every one of them, except George,” Reynolds said. “I believe the beeps have saved his life. Simple kindness matters.”

Now George has a paycheck, a bank account, and pride in his country and a job well done.

The cities of Melbourne and Palm Bay are partnering with the Daily Bread to expand services and housing availability. They are in the planning stages of finding funding for a new facility, which will help even more homeless bridge the gap in finding a place to live.

“Sometimes that accompaniment that we provide, with a little bit of technological assistance, is the nudge that they need to move forward,” Daily Bread CEO Jeff Nijus said.

The Daily Bread is partnering with Melbourne’s “Street to Home” program that’s been assisting homeless for the past three years.