Veteran improves quality of life with help from HVAF

Ronald didn’t necessarily plan on joining the military. He received a football scholarship from IU and enjoyed the party scene IU Bloomington offers. Ronald says he enjoyed the party scene a little too much. As a result, he lost his scholarship and had to move back home with his parents. Ronald’s father, who also served in the military, was disappointed with his son’s actions. “He wanted me to focus,” said Ronald. His father thought the Army would help him become more focused and disciplined.

Ronald’s father encouraged him to join the Army. “It’s the best thing he ever did,” said Ronald. He served in the Army from 1979 – 1982, and was stationed in Fort Lee, VA. Ronald was a petroleum supply specialist. A few of his responsibilities included checking for contaminated fuel, issuing and dispensing fuels, and operating equipment that uses petroleum. Ronald says that the Army did help him become a more focused individual. After finishing his work with the military, he took on various warehouse roles as well as conducting night audits at hotels for 10 years. In 2003, he says things took a turn for the worse.

Ronald and his wife ended their marriage that year. Ronald says this lead him to become unfocused, hanging out with the wrong crowd, and eventually becoming homeless. “I’ve heard people always say, ‘You’re only one step away from homelessness,” said Ronald. “When I became homeless it stunned me, and made me realize anyone can become homeless.” After five years of on-again, off-again homelessness, Ronald turned to HVAF for help. He met with HVAF’s Employment Specialist, Kevin Hillman, and is now employed at IndyGo. “If it wasn’t for HVAF, I don’t know where I would be,” said Ronald. “HVAF gave me the stability I needed.” Ronald currently lives in one of HVAF’s housing properties, has a stable job, and is currently saving to move into his own place. 

Watch this video and find out how Ronald improved his quality of life.

Employment partnership helps veterans at HVAF

Jonathan Hunter first heard about HVAF through its Employment Specialist, Kevin Hillman. The two met at a job fair and chatted for a little bit. Jonathan was looking for more employees at Two Men and a Truck, and Kevin knew of veterans looking for a job. The two decided to partner up and help each other out.

Jonathan has attended both of HVAF’s veteran-only job fairs. He informs HVAF’s veterans what Two Men and a Truck are looking for in potential employees. “Strong work ethic, punctuality and leadership abilities make you a good candidate,” said Jonathan. “I usually inform potential employees of the lifting requirements as well.” Jonathan is still looking for more help at Two Men and a Truck, and currently has “Moving” and “Driving” positions available. Two Men and a Truck holds open interviews every Tuesday and Thursday at 3 p.m. Veterans are to bring their résumés and interviewing skills to any three of these locations:

·         11787 Technology Dr., Fishers, IN

·         5777 Decatur Blvd., Indianapolis, IN

·         1365 Sadlier South Circle Dr., Indianapolis, IN

Homeless veteran gets help with housing

Earl at HVAF

“The first time I realized I wanted to protect and serve my country was in High School. I was in ROTC, but my grades were suffering. The Army was my ticket out. Also my uncle, Cecil, served in WWII and drove the M4 Sherman tank and that was another piece of inspiration. I admired Cecil.” 

Earl served in the U.S. Army when militant students supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolution stormed the U.S Embassy in Tehran and took scores of hostages.

Earl was injured during service and 70 percent of his body was burned. He suffered from PTSD as a result. He is still seeing psychologists today and takes medication daily.

Earl became homeless as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after his service. Homelessness struck when he fell on hard times. Earl turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. His tendencies, he says, caused a strain on his family and other relationships, and he was left with a pile of child support bills that grew larger and larger, and so did the medical bills. Earl has been in and out of jail 12 times because of his inability to pay child support. He also struggled to find employment.

He turned to HVAF for help. He completed the organization’s recovery program on March 7, 2017 and currently resides in our transitional housing.

Earl is an inspiration in what a veteran can accomplish against all odds.

Army veteran lands job

Ronda in housing

Ronda F. made a near 19-year career out of serving her country. Almost eight years of that time was active duty.  Ronda married and had 4 children ages 2-8. She says she endured mental and emotional abuse from her then husband. She knew she had to escape. Ronda had an associate’s degree but wanted to get her bachelor’s degree. Higher education is one of the many bonuses and perks of serving her country, so she did just that.

She worked in many areas of the US Army, but one of the most rewarding work she experienced was her role as Awards Clerk for NATO. She learned a lot about herself. She was able to spend time with the Joint Force Headquarters in Pristina, Kosovo and met with them once every two weeks. Being able to meet high-ranking people like colonels and majors was an honor and privilege. She never would have dreamed she would be doing such important work and accomplish so much in 7 months. The networking opportunities were “enlightening.”

However, Ronda says she wasn’t making a lot of money and her home life was suffering. She left her husband for fear of the relationship becoming volatile. Ronda had heard of HVAF. “In many ways, HVAF provided me a sense of security—not knowing where you’re going to live is frightening. Other helpful programs, financial planning for instance, is helping me get my own finances in order.” Dorian LaMotte, Ronda’s case manager, is in contact with Ronda every day. Alberta Platt, Ronda’s employment specialist, found Ronda a job in one day. Alberta had contacts with Bluegreen Resort and there was an interview and job hire the same day. “I’m very appreciative of that,” said Ronda.

HVAF has been helping Ronda with rent on her new beloved home. 

Veteran makes strides through HVAF employment services

Lew at HVAF

Lew served in the Air Force from 1986-1990. As a young adult, he was looking for direction in his life and thought what better way than to serve his country. He was a part of the MAC Military Airlift Command. After finishing up his military duty, Lew worked to get his BA in Marketing and minored in Economics. After college, he worked for General Electric, Stuart Warner and a few other companies and found a “knack” for sales. After going through a rough time of divorcing his wife and losing his father, Lew turned to alcohol. He had three DUIs and eventually got into an accident in which, luckily, no one was hurt. He spent three years in prison. He reached out to HVAF in 2013, one of the lowest years of his life. 

“When I was going through the rocky 3 years [2013-2016] of my life, I needed a place to stay and I was trying to figure out how I’m going to do this. I have a good support system with family, but found strong support from HVAF,” Lew said.

Lew believes he would be in a day shelter if it wasn’t for the excellent staff at HVAF. HVAF Employment Specialist Kiara Walker assisted Lew in finding the job he has now. “Lew had a vision of where he wanted to work and the salary he felt would be a livable wage. He did not give up until he felt all of his needs were satisfied. I enjoyed working with Lew,” says Kiara. Lew currently works for Dickinson Fleet Services as the Purchasing Assistant in which he finds great purpose.

Homeless veteran finds permanent housing with help from HVAF

Tom, 59, served in the Air Force from 1977-81. The California native liked working on airplanes. On October 6, 2006, life as he knew it changed. Tom was hit by a bus on the streets of Indianapolis. He spent 6 months at the VA hospital and had 3 operations. He lost his left leg and is confined to a wheelchair. He spent 2 years in a nursing home. He couldn’t find work and he became homeless. HVAF’s Outreach Worker Rodney Jackson talked to him about the programs and services our organization has to offer. It took time to build trust.

Once Tom was ready to come in from the elements, we provided him a warm bed for the weekend.

“There was still hope in his eyes. He was crying because he had nowhere to go,” said Housing Specialist William Najera about his client, Tom. On Thursday, March 30, Tom ready to come in from off the streets but didn’t want to go into transitional housing. William talked Partners in Housing, who to advocate for Tom. The following Tuesday, Tom was moved in. His eyes watered a bit when signing the lease.  “Seeing Tom from beginning to end was a complete turnaround,” William said.

Tom still faces many battles and demons. The amputee still feels a lot of pain. Physical pain. Emotional pain. He can no longer work at a factory as a forklift operator which he enjoyed for over 3 decades. He struggles to find meaning and purpose in life. His pride is shattered. But for Tom, each day matters. You can hear happiness in his laughter.

Case Manager links veteran to resources

Tony M. couldn’t find a job out of high school so he turned to the Marines. He served from 1983-1987.  “To be honest, Rambo was hot, and I wanted to carry a pack and shoot a gun,” Tony said. He faced many physical challenges such as staying in shape and the stress of the job got to him emotionally.  After serving, Tony turned to alcohol to solve his problems. His mother, who he was living with at the time, had terminal cancer. After she passed away, the property was sold, and Tony knew he had to do something. He contacted the VA who referred him to HVAF. Tony couldn’t say enough nice things about HVAF, especially about the people who worked with him. His case manager, Brian Andree, encouraged him to stay on track and directed him to the help. “After finding HVAF, there was a tiny light at the end of the tunnel—something I hadn’t seen in a long time,” Tony expressed. HVAF has given Tony time to reflect and think about his life. Tony lives in Carson Apartments and works at the Walmart Distribution Center in Plainfield. He is a true success story.

HVAF Case Manager connects veteran with services

“I’ve always been the type of person who wanted acceptance to make sure people were taken care of,” Ellen M. said. She served in the Army from 1990- 2013. Ellen wanted to be a part of something bigger than herself—the military.  She was looking for a purpose in life.  Her story about choosing the Army is interesting. Originally, Ellen wanted to join the Air Force. She went to Danville, IL to the recruiting station and the Air Force recruiters were off to lunch. An Army recruiter approached her and the rest is history. Ellen appreciated the cohesiveness of the Army. She faced many challenges, especially after she started to have kids. The military helped her learn research skills, which lead to her research veteran support organizations. Since Ellen started having trouble paying her rent last November, she turned to the Military Family Relief Fund and other resources to help her out. The Military Family Relief Fund referred her to HVAF.  Although Ellen was never homeless, she believes she would be homeless without HVAF’s efforts. Adam Velazquez, her case manager, went above and beyond to help Ellen out. “He connected with me and got me help right away,” she said. Ellen currently works at Aspire/InteCare and Great Clips on the weekends.

Near homeless veteran turns to law school for fresh start

Anthony, 53, served in the Navy from 1982-1983 on the USS Mount Baker. There is a long-standing family history of joining the military. His dad, brother and son have all been enlisted. One of the biggest joys of joining the Navy was visiting 15 countries. The military molded Anthony into the person he is today. He strives to reach a standard of excellence, discipline, and uniformity. Anthony was near homeless and was in need of assistance after he had taken in and supported his three grandchildren. HVAF helped him move into permanent housing, provided him a washer and dryer, and made sure his grandkids were provided for at Christmas. “HVAF lifted the weight and continue to care about me. They went well beyond what I ever imagined,” he said. Currently, Anthony is a law student at U of Indy and looks back at HVAF as the cornerstone of his current success.

Indy Star coverage on HVAF

HVAF veteran looks out for his brother's on Indy's streets... Check out Sunday's Indy Star story here:

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/01/07/veteran-looks-out-his-brothers-indys-streets/94988514/

From day shelter to stable housing

Gregory DeBorde sits unblinkingly, perched on his favorite black recliner chair in his two-bedroom home. It is a home that he now shares with his wife and son, Lucas, and it is lit by the warm orange glow of a single floor lamp. A Christmas tree illuminates the room. DeBorde, a Navy veteran, was once near homeless and worried about how he was going to provide Christmas for his family. In August 2014, he called HVAF and qualified for HVAF’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program which helps veterans and their families avoid becoming chronically homeless by providing them rental assistance, utility payments, and furniture purchases. He was also provided Christmas from a generous HVAF donor that year.

HVAF Case Manager Kayla Jackson helped him move into a rental apartment in Indianapolis after previously renting in Avon which allowed him to gain stability with housing and focus on other needs. All of this in combination with his own self-determination eventually led him to be able to purchase his own home.

Also, Gregory skillfully went through the process of re-applying for disability benefits and to his success began receiving them. In March 2016, he moved into a home in Indianapolis’ Irvington neighborhood. He never imagined himself near-homeless, but is thankful for the hand-up and services received from HVAF.

A homeless veteran living in the cold

John, a homeless veteran

John Wheeler, a former Sgt. Platoon Leader in the Marines who served two terms in Vietnam, is living on the streets for the fifth winter in a row. He’s from Tell City, Indiana and now calls “Tent City” home. HVAF Outreach Worker Rodney Jackson tells us last year there were 17 people living in Tent City, but now there are only a handful of homeless individuals. John finds peace here and is living on the streets by choice. 

“I got mad and took it out on society and walked away from my apartment and my job as a CPA,” says John, who suffers from PTSD. “It’s just me myself and I, and I like it this way,” adds John. “I took a tent out there and set it up and have five blankets to stay warm in the winter and I am happy. I really want to be out on my own.” 

But, this isn’t enough to keep John off the radar. Rodney checks on him daily providing bottled water, food, hygiene items, boots, gloves, and other winter essentials. “Ever since I took this position in March,” says Rodney, “a day doesn’t go by when I don’t see John.”  John has 6 kids and 8 grandkids living in Indianapolis who also visit him in Tent City and provide necessities. John also visits the Horizon House each week to do laundry. 

HVAF provides outreach daily to those living out on the streets. Additionally, outreach hours at HVAF are every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 3:30pm for homeless veterans in need of clothing, hygiene and food.

Homeless for three years, veteran qualifies for benefits with help of HVAF

At 71, West Virginia veteran Clarence B. has experienced more than his fair share of ups and downs since he left the Marines Corps. That he survived, and is now thriving, is testament to his tenacity. It’s also a tribute to a determined network of community supporters who refused to quit on Clarence.

In the 1970’s and 80’s while he was working on the railroads as a yard conductor he began drinking heavily and using drugs. Clarence’s life journey took a downturn as result of the people he associated with. That lifestyle stayed with him for two decades.

He then spent three years in construction before being incarcerated for nine months. He then went into trucking where he worked until diabetes prevented him from being able to work.

Clarence at HVAF

After his health declined and he lost his job, Clarence moved to Indianapolis in 2002. He found various roofs over his head by staying at the missions, a situation that lasted two to three years.

In 2014 Kevin’s house went into foreclosure at which time he came to HVAF. He was at Carson Apartments for 18 months. He met with an HVAF Case Manager who helped him.

In October, Clarence moved into his own apartment. He was able to double his income by obtaining veterans’ benefits and social security while at HVAF.  He remains clean and sober.

“I didn’t have my head together back then,” Clarence said. “Keep your head up and have people around you to give support.”

New employment opportunity provides hope

Veteran Michael S. had no idea what life would look like after transitioning out of a career in the military. He knew he had a place in the civilian world, but after serving in a variety of roles in the Army, it wasn’t immediately clear where that place was.

In February 2015, he learned about HVAF and moved into the Manchester Apartments where he stayed for 17 months, building his resume and leaning on employment specialists for guidance.

Following an exhaustive job search in Indianapolis, Michael gave up hope of finding “his dream” job and took menial jobs that offered little opportunity for promotion. In 2012, he lost his job and experienced homelessness for 2 weeks. The combination of leaving the military and an inability to find a job in his field took a toll on Michael’s self-confidence.

“I had no idea how difficult a job search for a job with benefits and stability would be,” Michael recalled. “I thought my military experience and the fact that I had an associate’s degree would be helpful. Speaking as a veteran, we have a strong work ethic and a sense of pride about our work,” Michael said.

Since August, HVAF has assisted 28 veterans in gaining employment. Michael is just one of these veteran we served.

“Michael has been diligent in working towards gaining employment with PepsiCo, says Kiara Walker, MSW, LSW, Employment Specialist. “Michael is the Veteran who inspires you to work just as hard as he does. He has made it to every appointment and has excellent punctuality. The desire he shows to want more for himself is an admirable quality. Michael gives me hope about his job prospects, and I believe he will get the job he is wanting.”

While Michael is currently employed, he received a phone call and an email from HVAF employment specialist Kiara Walker about an opportunity at PepsiCo last month.

“HVAF provided a welcome relief on so many levels. Most of all, they helped me regain my sense of pride.”

Michael is now living in his own apartment is going through the hiring process at PepsiCo.

For one homeless veteran, life’s ups begin to outweigh the downs

Kevin C. was on the brink of becoming chronically homeless. In April 2016, he came to HVAF for help. Born and raised on the near east side of Indianapolis, he joined the U.S. Army in 1979 at the age of 18, and he served for seven years in global security. 

After Kevin’s service, he took a job in Kentucky working in local parks and recreations. He ended up losing this job in 2001.

Kevin at HVAF property

That’s when he says his struggles with homelessness began.

When Kevin heard about the resources offered in Indianapolis for homeless veterans, he moved back home. He also had local support from family and friends. However, he felt like he placed a burden on family or friends. He sank into depression. In March 2016, Kevin slept near a dumpster and lit a candle for heat. He also slept in shelters and park benches.

During that period of homelessness, Kevin’s health began to suffer. He was no longer able to continue work. He developed blood clots in his leg and suffered from diabetic neuropathy in his feet.

In April 2016, he heard about HVAF and met with a Case Manager who provided him the stability he needed by providing a roof over his head.

“HVAF has provided me a roof over my head and they’ve given me the opportunity to have a semblance of a home that I can utilize and I was provided bus passes. Just having an address is a big step in my progress.”

Kevin is ready to move on to permanent housing and is waiting to hear from several landlords on availability. 

HVAF provides bikes to homeless veterans

Reggie Jefferson, 58, a homeless U.S. Army veteran, was once a professional singer. He relocated to South Beach, Florida in 1994 after his wife passed away. Reggie says he ended up homeless, sleeping on the beach, listening to ocean waves crash before him. His life was spiraling downward and he returned back home to Indianapolis for help with alcoholism.

Mark Lykins, a case manager with HVAF's Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, realized that transportation served as a major barrier for verans. He began a bike program for our homeless veterans at HVAF which is how the two men met.

Since the bike program began in June of 2016, Mark has collected 37 bikes. Monetary donations have allowed him to purchase locks for the bikes, as well as tools to refurbish them to help homeless veterans without transportation.

Thirty-three bikes have already been given to homeless veterans, including Reggie, while others have been used for parts when deemed beyond salvage.

Reggie said not having a car during his week of living homeless really gave him a better understanding of how difficult it is for the homeless to apply for employment, go to the grocery store and medical appointments as well as look for housing.

“Bikes make it easier,” Reggie said.

“Transportation is a big issue in Indianapolis,” Mark said. “And employment is essential for Reggie. He’s not housed in the middle of town and so his bike has cut his commute from a one hour and 20 minute walk to a 20 minute bike ride.”

Mark said the criteria for a homeless veteran to receive a bike is that they need to be able to prove veteran status and have housing issues.

“Then when they don’t need it (bike) anymore, they can give it back,” said Mark, who in turn can give the bike to another homeless veteran without transportation.

Mark said it can take anywhere from days to months for a homeless veteran to get a job depending on an individual’s circumstances. He’s thankful for generous donors and hopes to receive more bikes. To donate a bike to HVAF, contact Volunteer Coordinator Robin Close at (317) 951-0688.

HVAF also accepts monetary donations.  Donate online at hvaf.org.

Veteran learns to combat alcoholism

Timothy had the courage to fight back against veteran alcoholism — a personal fight for him. After hitting rock bottom, he rose up and now wants to give back to other veterans.

The U.S. Navy veteran says his propensity for alcohol was heightened in the Navy where he would stop at bars at each pier - booze was always around.

“I came out of the Navy an alcoholic and I also had also some PTSD from sexual assault that wasn’t diagnosed until 20 years after my service,” adds Timothy.

The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center reports that nearly 13 percent of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan from 2006 to 2008 were referred to counseling for alcohol problems after their post-deployment health assessments. That’s a significant portion of deployed forces coming back to face alcohol problems.

After completing his service, Timothy worked as a finance manager, but his dependency on alcohol affected his work.

“And then I traded one drug for another and began using cocaine and it cost me my home and family,” says Timothy.

In 1986, Timothy enrolled in a recovery treatment program but eventually relapsed. For three decades he was in and out of recovery programs.

He came to HVAF in May 2016. The program worked and he slowly began to rebuild his life.

“You make progress each time. I am 55 years old and each time you make progress. Every time I had relapsed it was because I had stopped doing the things I was supposed to be doing like going to meetings, church and visiting family. When you give up that support – you are doomed.”

“Support groups are very critical to recovery,” says Timothy’s Case Manager, Shawnita Yarbro. “And to show the veteran that you genuinely care about their well-being and overall success is key.”

Today, Timothy is thriving. He is housed and has been clean and sober for six months. He receives VA disability and is working to pay off his debts and eventually move into permanent housing. He serves as a mentor for other veterans by routinely telling his story and offering hope.

Once homeless, veteran now serves others

James at HVAF

James Miller has had many titles over the years; husband, U.S. Air Force veteran, volunteer, but there was one title he never thought he would have − homeless.

A native of Indianapolis, James moved back home and after enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1978 where he worked as a nuclear weapons technician and an electronics technician at the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD).

Following four years of service, James went on to receive an engineering degree from ITT Tech in Indianapolis.

After graduating from college, James’ struggles began. He was employed, but turned to drugs as a source of recreation.

In 1993, due to drug use James became homeless and began couch-surfing, staying at shelters and abandoned homes. To support his drug habit, he sold his belongings. He was homeless for ten years.  While it may be difficult to comprehend for those who have never experienced homelessness, James said that reintegrating was difficult because he actually became accustomed to being homeless.

With limited options, he learned about HVAF during a visit to the Veterans Affairs benefits office and decided to enter HVAF’s recovery program in 2002. His journey out of homelessness was not without set-backs. It took him four years to graduate from the program because he relapsed.

HVAF’s recovery program helps homeless veterans recover from substance abuse and drugs and reintegrate into meaningful employment in the civilian labor force through a variety of services that address the complex problems they face.

James continued to visit HVAF periodically after he left the recovery program. It’s where he learned of a job opportunity at HVAF as Peer Mentor. He was hired in 2012. As Peer Mentor, James travels to three housing properties: Warman, Manchester, and Moreau to meet with veterans and their case managers to identify those who are struggling and in need of a “mentor.”

James also manages two groups which meet weekly. The Vet to Vet group allows veterans the chance to bond and share their struggles and be supportive of one other. A Recovery group aimed at focusing on veterans who are dealing with a substance use disorder is also facilitated by James.

“I am not afraid to be transparent with my own struggles with addiction and homelessness,” says James. “Having been a former client and having struggled for so long it impressed upon me this notion that what I do really matters. HVAF has been a big part of my life and if I can help one person then everything I went through had a purpose and value.”

James keeps a busy schedule.

In May 2013, James received an Associate Degree in Human Services from Ivy Tech.

In June, James received a “Case Manager Certificate” from the Indianapolis Case Management Institute (ICMI)  which is a 6-month training program launched by United Way of Central Indiana designed to help case managers serving at-risk individuals who need services and techniques for self-care to prevent burnout.

James is also a full-time student at IUPUI and will receive his BA in Social Work in May 2017.

He is using his journey through homelessness to inspire others. 

Once homeless veteran maneuvers the job market

Leah T., a previously homeless U.S. Army veteran, came to HVAF for housing in 2014. She had hopes of finding a job as a medical assistant, but she lacked experience. She also faced medical issues and was recovering from years of mental abuse.

“It was a long 4 years of homelessness simply because I was stubborn,” says Leah. “If I would have not focused so hard on finding a medical assistant position I would have done something else.”

At HVAF, Leah met with employment specialists who helped open her eyes to other employment opportunities.  Employment specialists helped her improve her resume and attend job fairs. In July, Leah secured full-time permanent employment at Amazon Fulfillment Center. She is working 40 hours per week and moved into her own permanent housing.

“I am looking forward to getting my first paycheck,” says Leah. “It has been a long time coming.”

Leah has not given up on her dream of becoming a medical assistant. She plans to take certification classes and learning everything she can as well as to continue visiting those who helped her at HVAF.

“I have worked with Leah for several years and it is great to see the transformation that has taken place,” says Employment Coordinator Chasiti Herring. “She is motivated and goes the extra mile to attend hiring fairs and submit applications. Leah has come a long way.”

Leah will also be giving back to HVAF by volunteering each Thursday sorting and stocking donations that come into the food and clothing pantry.

Homeless veteran at HVAF receives new bed at age 56

In 2014, Terri, 56, walked into HVAF in need of housing. She carried very little; only her DD214 card proving she was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. The card is all she needed. HVAF provided her with a furnished apartment, food, hygiene items and clothing. It was an adjustment, but so was homelessness. Terri was finally getting the help she needed.

Once housed at HVAF, Terri no longer needed to find shelter. She began attending group meetings on a range of mental health issues, including depression, bipolar disorder and PTSD. She attended meetings at the VA.  Because of her mental health issues she says it has been difficult to hold down a job.

At HVAF, Terri was referred to HUD VASH and she soon started receiving disability payments and permanent supportive housing. She also qualified for a federally funded program which allowed her to receive a new bed, bedding and assistance with her car repairs. Thanks to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program Terri received her first new bed. 

“They set me up with a bed and at 56 it is the first new bed I've ever owned,” expressed Terri as she knelt down and cried “I really appreciate it.”

All of these resources were offered to her because she came to HVAF.

Today, Terri is living in her own apartment and receives ongoing mental health treatment at the VA. She also has reunited with her 18-year old cat, Isabella.