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.

HVAF employment services make strides in finding jobs for veterans

From January 2015 - July 2015, one hundred and fourteen veterans who rely on HVAF services and programs were hired by fifteen employers. These employers are committed to hiring veterans.

                     

Robert H., a retired United States Army veteran with 20 years of service was hired by G2 Secure Staff on February 25. He came to HVAF for help after he became unemployed. When he pulled in the parking lot at HVAF, he was not aware of the services offered but he was determined to learn more.

He first met with a staff member from the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program who helped him get his rent and electric payments paid and also met with an Employment Specialist.  Robin Close, a Employment Specialist at HVAF, sent Robert a job lead about open interview dates at G2 Secure Staff at the Indianapolis Airport. At G2 Secure Staff, Robert was hired to work at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Two months after being hired, Robert landed a promotion and is now a flight coordinator for G2 Secure Staff.  For a full list of companies who have recently hired a veteran from HVAF click here.

Program helps Central Indiana’s most vulnerable

Jeff Cook, 52, never imagined he would be near homeless. The Greenfield, Ind. Air Force veteran had nowhere to go after being released from jail. He turned to a program offered at HVAF of Indiana for help. 

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program serves veterans and their families who are in eviction status or literally homeless. SSVF is a temporary program (90 days) that helps families by providing case management and housing assistance. The program also helps connect families to community resources that will enable them to maintain permanent housing. The goal of the program is to help veterans become self-sufficient.



Jeff relies on HVAF's SSVF program

On May 1, Jeff called Tisha Jenkins, SSVF’s case manager for Hancock County.  Jeff learned that he qualified for assistance through the SSVF program.   

The SSVF program was able to assist with the security deposit, first month’s rent and securing energy services in his name for his new apartment in Greenfield. 

"I felt relieved and grateful," says Jeff. "I felt like weight has been lifted and I have hope."

Jeff is currently employed and with the help of the SSVF program and is now able to financially support himself. He also has money to save at the end each month after paying his bills. Jeffrey is a prime example of what the SSVF Program is about and how it can help veterans overcome the struggle of homelessness.

If you know of a veteran in need of help, please call us at 317-951-0688.

Homeless veteran in Indianapolis fights cancer

For Jeff, and hundreds like him, a roof over his head is the first step toward a better life.

The Bay City, MI native joined the Army in 1983 and served for 5 years. He later drifted through a slew of managerial jobs in Indianapolis and Michigan before things began to unravel.

 

Jeff at HVAF of Indiana

At a 2012 doctor’s appointment, medical staff told Jeff he had follicular lymphoma cancer. Mounting medical costs led to homelessness, and Jeff, living day to day, struggled to maintain a home and transportation to and from medical appointments.

"I'm just trying to get some stability," he says.

Jeff receives housing through HVAF, calling Manchester Apartments home. He also receives individual support from case manager Jennifer Smith, who has utilized the wide-range of assistance offered by HVAF to provide Jeff with food, clothing and hygiene items.

“My case manager has helped me tremendously,” says Jeff. “I’m very upfront and honest with her, and I have laughed with her and cried with her.”

When Jeff moves into his own apartment in July, HVAF will provide assistance by covering his administrative move-in fee. He’s also receiving legal support through HVAF's partnership with the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic to help him sort through legal issues such as child support and speeding tickets. He has already set up monthly payments in order to get his license back. In turn, HVAF's Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program can then assist with car repairs.

Jeff has qualified for additional help through SSVF to secure permanent housing. Jeff also receives a HUDVASH voucher which is part of an affordable housing program in which the client pays roughly 20% of his/her income to be able to maintain permanent housing. 

SSVF also has provided Jeff with a utility deposit, security deposit, and a bus pass. Jeff will remain in SSVF for a short period of time to ensure that client transition into permanent housing is successful.

HVAF Employee spotlight

This month we spotlight Tom Tuttle. He’s a Case Manager for HVAF’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. He goes above and beyond to support veterans who are near homeless. On his own initiative, he has been canvassing the streets and shelters for homeless veterans who fit into a specific category in SSVF. And not only has he been able to spend the grant funding efficiently he has moved veterans out of homelessness.

Tom Tuttle at HVAF 

Tom has a BSW from the University of St. Francis in Indianapolis and an MA in Human Rights from Kingston University London. His grandfather is a Korean War veteran and has 7 cousins (all seven served active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan).

Here’s more about Tom.

What attracted you to the position at HVAF?

Working with veterans and the issues they face is what attracted me to this position. I have a lot of veterans in my family and have seen some of the many problems veterans face.

What do you enjoy most?

The part of working at HVAF I enjoy most is working with the clients and trying to help resolve the many differing situations the clients come from. Before working at HVAF I worked at IU in research to improve nursing home care.

How has SSVF grown since you started?

SSVF has grown in a variety of ways since starting at HVAF. We are serving more clients than in previous grant years. We have changed the ways we approach finding clients and assistance that we provide. We have created more tools to track and record program status.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include playing guitar and working/ riding old beach cruiser bicycles.