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Topic: “Homelessness”

Read Stories > Topics > Homelessness

Learn more and watch videos of Veterans sharing their experiences with homelessness and what they did to get on a path to recovery.

Veteran Pays It Forward After Substance Misuse Treatment

After experiencing decades of despair and drug misuse, Kevin found treatments that empowered him to rebuild his life and relationships. He also found a new purpose: helping other Veterans with substance use disorder navigate their obstacles to recovery.

4-minute read

Problems with Drugs, Physical Injury, Homelessness, Feelings of Hopelessness, Family and Relationships

Veterans’ Next Mission: Serving Those Who Served

These Veterans took different paths after military service, but they arrived at the same destination: becoming part of a community and helping fellow Veterans. Hear their stories in the newly released Season Two of the Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. podcast.

4-minute read

Transitioning From Service, Student Veterans, Financial and Legal Issues, PTSD, Jobs and Employment, Problems with Alcohol, Homelessness, Family and Relationships

Veteran Finds Fulfilling Life After Cancer Diagnosis

This Marine Veteran survived cancer, homelessness and isolation with the help of therapy, community and fencing.

4-minute read

Physical Injury, Homelessness, Problems with Drugs, Depression

After Treatment for Substance Misuse, a Veteran Gains a Sense of Purpose

A Veteran shares his story of substance use disorder, treatment and finding his place in the world after the Army.

4-minute read

Stress and Anxiety, Problems with Alcohol, Homelessness, Financial and Legal Issues

Finding Her Direction

Mary Ann’s focus on her children kept her motivated to seek and stick with VA treatment for substance use disorder and severe depression. The Navy Veteran found recovery, housing and a fulfilling job — all thanks to the treatment she had been avoiding for years.

4-minute read

Problems with Drugs, Depression, Family and Relationships, Homelessness

Lost and Found

David largely ignored the emotional toll of his military service, but he could not ignore the loss of his older brother a short time after David transitioned out. Aimless and alone, David took a self-destructive path of drug and alcohol misuse and criminal behavior. In the court system, he found treatment for substance use disorder and a navigated a new path.

3-minute read

Problems with Drugs, Homelessness, Financial and Legal Issues

A Chance at Redemption

Veterans Treatment Courts offer Veterans who have become involved with the justice system a way to turn their lives around.

6-minute read

Feelings of Hopelessness, Homelessness, Flashbacks

Be Mindful of Your Alcohol Use During the Holidays

Find resources to help Veterans cope with a drinking problem or maintain their sobriety around the holidays.

2-minute read

Problems with Alcohol, Family and Relationships, Homelessness

From Ship to Shelter

Learn how Lidia, a U.S. Navy Veteran, overcame homelessness with the help of VA’s programs and resources.

3-minute read

Transitioning From Service, Depression, Homelessness

Helping Hands

Serving as a Navy Seabee, Phillip escaped certain death when an unseen hand rescued him from a mudslide in Honduras. A decade later, when he found himself mired in PTSD, anger, aggression, and drug use, it was VA that pulled him up. Now, Phillip is a state-certified peer specialist, offering a helping hand to other Veterans in crisis.

5-minute read

PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Nightmares, Homelessness

“I Have My Family Back”

Hear how Jeff, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, overcame homelessness and problems with alcohol to help reconnect with his family.

2-minute read

Homelessness, Bipolar Disorder

"He's My Best Friend Now"

Follow the journey of Ed and his daughter Jasmine — from his drug use and homelessness to one phone call that changed everything.

4-minute read

Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Homelessness

After a Stranger Stepped In to Help, Ryan Discovered a New Path

Ryan, an Army Veteran, had been homeless for six months and was battling PTSD when a stranger took him in. He’s since earned two degrees and started a new career in massage therapy.

6-minute read

Anger and Irritability, Homelessness

How 4 Homeless Women Veterans Changed Their Lives

Hear women Veterans share their stories of homelessness and the assistance that helped them find housing.

5-minute read

PTSD, Homelessness