Homeless veteran who once lived on $133 a month finds his way again

Donell Marzett, 59, served in the U.S. Army during significant international conflicts. Now, he’s helping other veterans face and win some of the toughest battles of their lives. He doesn’t talk about his time in service, but he is a proud soldier who followed in the footsteps of his father and two uncles by choosing a career in the infantry.

“When I was in the Army, I always had a feeling of purpose, but when I got home I felt as though I lost that purpose and had to find my way again. I was so used to the structure that the military provides and civilian life seemed jarring. I was trying to figure out where I fit in and what sort of career to enter,” said Donell.

When his service ended, Donell’s hardships began. Depression soon followed.

Donell suffered from anxiety and turned to drugs before ending up at the VA Hospital following an attempted suicide. For two years, he lived in an abandoned house in Terre Haute leaning on the skills he learned in the military. He relied on external sources of heat to stay warm.

Then, things got worse. In 2010, he was arrested by the U.S. Marshalls for child support payments and spent eight days in jail and was sentenced to four years of probation.

“After my arrest I had to start all over again, and for several months I lived on $133 a month,” said Donell.

It was then he returned to Indianapolis where the majority of his service providers are located and in 2015 Donell came to HVAF for housing.  Once housed, he enrolled and completed classes in mental health services and sobriety at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

His Case Manager, Doneeka Gunn, at HVAF helped connect him with services.

“I have watched Donell go through some of life’s most challenging times and then relish in the good times,” says Case Manager Doneeka Gunn. “He did not give up. HVAF was with him every step of the way in providing him with the resources that he needed to get him on his feet.”

Today, Donell works as a talent engagement specialist at WorkOne. He is ready to give back by helping veterans who were once in his shoes. His future goals include moving into his own home, purchasing a car, and continuing his commitment to his job.

Veteran escapes despair, finds dream job

Tim, 57, joined the Army in 1978 because he wanted to try something new. He had previously been working at the YMCA in Peru, Indiana, and he hoped to find some adventure and value in serving his country. His father and his two stepfathers had both served in the Army, but Tim’s experience during his service proved to be quite different. Soon after being stationed at Fort McCLellan in Alabama, Tim was diagnosed with scoliosis and sent home. Because he had only been able to serve for a couple of months before his diagnosis, Tim regarded himself as a failure.

“My diagnosis played a negative role in my life and it had a domino effect as my life soon began to spiral out of control,” Tim said. “I turned to drugs and alcohol, and I kept everything bottled up.”

After leaving the Army, Tim jumped from state to state and lived as a gypsy for over twenty years. During this time, Tim tried three different rehab programs but none proved to be effective. Tim wanted to find a job in medical billing, but he was forced to work odd jobs to make ends meet because he lacked a stable living situation and struggled with addiction.

“After I came back, I found it difficult to get adjusted. I struggled with depression, and I was even suicidal. I would ask myself, ‘What’s the point of living if I’m going to live like this?” Tim said.

Last August, Tim decided to return to Indiana, where he went through an inpatient rehab program at Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital. After he completed the program, Tim spent two months in a Horizon House transitional shelter, where he obtained help with his DD214 form, and then he came to HVAF in October for help in finding a job and permanent housing.

“When I arrived at HVAF, I was nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect, but my time at HVAF has been nothing but a positive experience,” Tim said. “HVAF has given me a new outlook on my past and a jump start towards my future.”

Once at HVAF, Tim worked with Sarah Reed, his case manager, to obtain temporary housing at the Keltner House, one of HVAF’s residential properties. He also worked with Employment Specialists who helped him create a resume and apply for jobs. Tim was offered a job working at the Indianapolis International Airport soon after his arrival, but he still hoped to find a job in medical billing.

Even after Tim had been hired at the airport, employment specialists continued the job search with him in hopes of finding him the job he had always wanted. As a result of hard work and persistence, Tim was offered a job as a customer service representative for Vespa Group in April. He was also able to find an apartment of his own through HVAF’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which helped him pay his first deposit, rent and utility payments.

Tim will begin his new job in June by waking up at 6 a.m. and boarding the bus for an hour-and-thirty-minute commute. Once he arrives at work, Tim will be handling customer calls and explaining customers’ benefits within their medical insurance coverage.

Tim has been sober for over a year now and has reconnected with some family. He expresses deep excitement and gratitude for this employment opportunity and is enthusiastic about his future.

“When I came to HVAF, I had nothing other than the clothes on my back. Now, I have a savings account with more money than I have ever had before, an apartment of my own and my dream job,” Tim said.

Scott's Story - HVAF veteran impact

A grassy spot along Shadeland Avenue and 38^th Street was once home to Scott S. until a concerned passerby decided to give the veteran a needed hand up. Before the help, he bounced around, staying at hotels and on the streets after his service in the U.S. Navy ended in 1978. Scott, a welder by trade, was also a trained firefighter in the Navy.

Scott in permanent housing

“I came from a large family and I wanted to form my own identify and so I joined the Navy in hopes of traveling the world and experiencing a different way of life,” adds Scott.

After his discharge he married and had kids, but put college on hold and found work. He worked several odd jobs. As a civilian, Scott found jobs that seemed to end too soon. The factory where he worked for 10 years had been a consistent in his life, but when Scott suffered an off-the-job injury it ended up in job loss. He couldn’t afford rent. Scott did not know where to turn or how to get the help that he needed. A friend suggested he call HVAF of Indiana and in October 2014 he did just that.

“I was down and out at the time and didn’t have a place to stay or a job and since I was a veteran, I applied for HVAF housing and thankfully they had an opening at the Carson property,” adds Scott.

HVAF houses more than 200 homeless veterans each night.

“Consistency is one of the most important elements in searching for employment and Scott never gave up! He continued to actively submit applications, attend job fairs, and meet with his Employment Specialist on a regular basis,” says Chasiti Herring, MSW coordinator, veteran employment services.

At HVAF, Scott received additional help with getting back on his feet. He received help with employment services. Employment specialists helped create a resume detailing his skills which showed his prior commitment and dedication to the roles he served. In January, he was hired on as a property manager where he is now in charge of responding to maintenance calls as well as manning cameras at the property. Scott credits HVAF for helping him achieve employment.

Robert's Success Story at HVAF

From the front door to the mailbox, it’s easy to take keys for granted. Until you don’t have them.

“Homeless people don’t need keys very much. There’s not too much that you have to unlock.”

And that was the case for Robert M., when the 54-year-old U.S. Navy veteran found himself out of work, homeless and suffering from alcoholism. He was a planner. At age 54 he had not needed to ask anyone for help. But you can only plan for so much.

In June 2014, Robert checked into an inpatient center in Marion, Indiana where he stayed for 90 days. Then, he enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Substance Abuse Recovery and Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP) at Marion Hospital. Next, Robert applied for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program but did not qualify.

In 2014, he was placed in housing at HVAF. He worked with Case Manager Lindsey Bennett who helped get him on track. While at HVAF housing, Case Manager Kayla Jackson, MSW, LSW, enrolled him into its Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. SSVF helps eligible veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits including assisting clients with budgeting and creating a stability plan. Qualified veterans may also be eligible for limited payments to third parties, such as landlords, utility companies, and moving companies, if these payments help veteran families stay in or acquire permanent housing.

The SSVF program helped him secure the rental and with all of the initial move in costs.  

“When you become near homeless you lose a lot of material things, says Robert. “You lose your self-confidence and pride and along with those things goes your drive to better yourself. HVAF provided me with a structured living program and thanks to the SSVF program, I have received a brand new bed, pots and pans. I didn’t have a lot and now I have rebuilt my life,” adds Robert.

Arriving at HVAF, Robert says, was a blessing in disguise because he was able to get the resources to start over. Now marking one year in his own apartment and a steady job, Robert is setting an example to inspire others and reminding us that there’s a lot to be thankful for.

“Just think about how fortunate you are to have the things you need and family, friends and the ability to be together.”

Robert has been in successful recovery for over 2 years. He credits his success to a team effort coming from many organizations. He is also a Certified Recovery Addiction Specialist.

Navy veteran’s financial struggles at home

Gary at HVAF

Many veterans return from serving in the military to face enormous financial burdens. Gary T., 52, is no different. In the mid-80’s he joined the U.S. Navy and worked as a Radar Operator managing tactical and navigational charts. After serving, he moved back home to Indianapolis to be nearer to his four children.

“The transition home was kind of rough for me because l had a hard time finding work and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do,” says Gary who experienced intermittent homelessness for two years. “I eventually used the skills from my degree in college but even those jobs in architectural drafting were few and far between.” 

In 2014, Gary ran out of money and began sleeping in his car. He was referred to HVAF by the VA. In June 2015, he met with Fred Young, HVAF’s Residential, Employment and Substance Abuse (REST) Coordinator, to begin his journey of sobriety. HVAF not only provided him with a warm bed, food, clothing and hygiene items, but more than he could imagine.

Gary was housed first. Then, his next hurdle was to get his finances in order. Years of child support had put a financial burden on his life and prevented him from gaining the sense of security and stability he needed to move forward.

Carlton Martin, Staff Attorney with the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, an HVAF partner agency, is in the beginning stages of working with Gary to sort through his financial responsibilities which is something Gary says he couldn’t do alone.

“I was able to organize all of my old debts and file ten years of back taxes to avoid legal trouble,” adds Gary. “When I was homeless I had rejected my financial responsibilities while I was out on the streets.”

He is now empowered with the legal guidance he has received and is thankful to be working full-time at the VA Hospital.

“I finally feel that I am accountable for things and I have more control over my life.”

Gary talks about his struggles in his own words:
https://animoto.com/play/htAWVqXIAALa9jLDYYMplg

A veteran at HVAF gets a wake up call

Freddie, 57, is a veteran who came to HVAF for help in recovery. He served in the Army from 1976-79 and enjoyed traveling. He says years of substance abuse led to medical problems. In August 2015, he entered HVAF’s Residential, Employment, Substance Abuse, Treatment (REST) program. In December, he had a heart attack. In order to stay healthy, Freddie knew he had to change his lifestyle. He embraced the staff at HVAF and its 12-step recovery program. In January, Freddie had triple bypass surgery. He is making great strides towards a healthy lifestyle each day.

Freddie tells us in his own words why he decided to change his life around.

Empowering veterans by explaining expungement

U.S. Army veteran Sam M. desperately wanted to attend his grandmother’s funeral. He did, but immediately following the viewing he was escorted back to his jail cell. He was scared and alone. In 1996, Sam had been convicted of a drug charge and sentenced to jail.

“I was devastated and it was that moment that I knew I had to change my life around,” adds Sam.

But Sam’s struggles mounted once he got home. Without a job, he faced homelessness. He heard about HVAF and called for help. Many veterans come to HVAF looking for a fresh start and those who enter the transitional housing program are not only provided a roof over their head but also have the opportunity to receive free legal services offered by the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic.

Sam at HVAF

Sam had one felony drug conviction and three misdemeanor convictions on his record. These convictions were twenty years ago, but they still were impacting his ability to get a job now.

"The legal significance of this is that an Indiana employer cannot use an expunged arrest or conviction as the basis of adverse employment decisions (e.g. refusal to interview, offer job, hire). The expungement law gives a second chance to a person who has been a law-abiding citizen for a long time since they got into trouble." says Brian Dunkel, Director of Legal Services, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic.

Each month, there are anywhere from 20 to 30 veterans seeking legal services at HVAF, which is voluntary. Veterans, like Sam, meet with an attorney who go through their criminal records to determine whether they can be expunged by filing a petition in court.

In Sam’s case, the National Veteran Services Fund assisted by paying $536 in unpaid court costs and fines. The law requires a petitioner to make sure all of those are paid before an expungement is granted. The Court has granted Sam’s expungement petition and he can now search for work knowing that his past convictions cannot be used against him by a prospective employer.

“It gave me a peace of mind because I was wondering what was going to happen next and now I have a fresh start,” adds Sam. “I can apply for a job confidently knowing that I can leave my past behind but also remember the bad choices that got me here so that I don’t repeat them,” says Sam. “HVAF and its partners have made a lasting impact on my life.”

Sam meets weekly with a case manager at HVAF and feels a sense of gratitude for the attorney who helped him forge a new path. His immediate goals include finding a meaningful job and to move into his own apartment.

Last year 199 veterans at HVAF received legal services which included getting a criminal record expunged.

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) the U.S. Army accounted for 46% of veterans living in the United States yet 56% of veterans in state prison.

Community event aims to help homeless veterans

Iraq war veteran Chistylee Vickers followed in both parents’ footsteps to serve in the Army but noticed the growing struggles female veterans faced once at home. Chistylee, Commander of the Indianapolis American Legion Women's Post 438, organized a "Grab & Go" event at HVAF on December 23 where more than 60 veterans were provided water, food, essential hygiene items and clothing.

"I use everything that happened when I was in the Army. And every bad day I channel that into making a difference," Vickers said. "I advocate for veterans' issues."

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) women currently make up 8% of the total veteran population and 14.6% of the active duty military, increasing to an estimated 16% by 2035.

Vickers, who enlisted in the Army in 2002, served in Iraq as a light-wheel vehicle mechanic. It was the hardest thing she's ever done, she says. She describes her time with her unit at Fort Campbell, Kentucky as a "battle" and her command "toxic." She completed her service in 2007 and eventually moved back to her hometown of Shirley with her husband and two children.

Chistylee is one of more than 35,000 women veterans living in Indiana, and women make up the fastest growing segment of the veteran population.

“The experience that I wanted to recreate with the “Grab & Go” event was to provide for the veterans of HVAF through care packages,” says Christylee. “When I was deployed it was the mail and the care packages that kept my moral up the most. Knowing that someone cared and understood how small comforts can raise your mood and self-esteem. The small things that I couldn’t get, became some of the first things I missed and cherished when I received them.”

She is playing a part in ending homelessness.

“Knowing that you’re not forgotten, and there are those who are still grateful for the oath they made years before makes a big difference,” adds Christylee. “Small things that can make a big difference.”

How a Vietnam veteran fought his way out of homelessness and found his purpose

Dewayne's soft, thoughtful eyes show the hard struggles he has gone through but he has found his way of of homelessness.
Born in Indianapolis, Dewayne, who is now in his early 60's, moved in with friends while he got back on his feet. For years, Dewayne struggled with intermittent homelessness. In 1973, Dewayne completed high school and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served during the time of the Vietnam Conflict.

“I come from a long line of family who served in the military but no one served in the Marines and I was interested in protecting our country,” he said. “My Mother initiated a meeting with a recruiter. After the meeting I packed my bags and left 30 days thereafter. My life changed that quickly.”

Dewayne completed basic training in South Carolina, served at the Marines Corps Supply Center in Georgia and then traveled overseas which was his first time leaving his native home of Indiana. After serving in the military, Dewayne enrolled in college in Indianapolis but says he became involved in drugs which played a part in his homelessness.

How many homeless veterans are there?

Although flawless counts are impossible to come by – the transient nature of homeless populations presents a major difficulty – the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 47,725 veterans are homeless on any given night.

Dewayne says his life had not always been a series of bad choices.

“Depression played a large part in my struggles,” says Dewayne.

In January 2015, he came to HVAF for help and was introduced to Case Manager Mark Lykins and learned about services and programs offered to veterans. With assistance from the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program he received assistance with rent and food.

Dewayne at HVAF

Dewayne also found a place where he could check email, build his resume and apply for jobs. He joined a local gym where he could shower and use laundry facilities. He used skills developed in the Marines to persevere.

Looking back on his days living on the streets Dewayne recalls, “It’s horrible. You disconnect from everything. You think about where you may get your next meal. You stay busy.”  But, over the months HVAF has become a foundation for Dewayne as he and staff members worked together to change the trajectory of his life.  Dewayne credits his case manager at HVAF who helped him along the way.

He is currently employed and is working as a floor care technician for the VA. He has also reconnected with family and loved ones. He pays his success forward to the homeless veteran community he was once a part of. He has moved into a duplex in the Maple Fall Creek area.