When Army veteran Kevin G. entered VETcare in February 2023, he was facing homelessness, health challenges, and a loss of hope for the future.
Before arriving at VETcare, Kevin was facing significant challenges, living out of his van without stable income or transportation while relying on SNAP benefits to get by. Despite those hardships, he continued doing whatever he could to survive and work toward a better future. After suffering a stroke in August 2022, he stayed on his brother’s couch until his brother pointed him toward VETcare. VETcare staff then came to get him and bring him into the program.
Kevin described the challenges he faced before coming to VETcare as having “no money, very little interaction with people, no hope, occasional drug use.”
Now, after being with the program for almost two years, Kevin says VETcare has helped him rebuild stability and regain hope.
“It gave me a safe place to lay my head,” Kevin shared. “With case management I have been able to acquire my drivers license, social security income, and VA health care.”
Kevin also shared that he engaged in a guitar class and learned how to play. Through the program, he was provided clothes, boots, and a walker to help him get around. He says he has met “a lot of nice people who live here” and described the VETcare staff as “empathetic and willing to dive in and help with anything.”
One part of the program that has made a major impact for Kevin has been community outings with other veterans.
“SSG Fox has been a savior with getting me out in the community with like mind veterans on many outings,” he said. “My social skills have improved. I went from hopeless to some hope to there is hope.”
Today, Kevin is working toward “stability and self-sufficiency.” He shared that his health has “improved significantly” and that having access to health care has made a difference in his recovery. He was also able to get dentures and is currently working toward getting his motorcycle endorsement.
As he continues looking for permanent housing and working to get his record expunged, Kevin says he has already accomplished more than he expected.
“Well, I have achieved more than I thought I would to this point,” he shared. “I absolutely could not have done it without the staff at VETcare. As well as all the help I have received from other community partners that VETcare sent me to.”
Looking ahead, Kevin says he now feels hopeful about his future.
“I have hope and feel as though I have a brighter future.”
To the donors and sponsors who support programs like VETcare, Kevin shared this message:
“There are a lot of us Veterans out there as well as here and we could not have done it without your help. Thank you for giving us a chance to become stable and self-sufficient again when most of us did not think it was possible.”
For Kevin, VETcare means family.
“VETcare is like family. Helping build us up and not feel like we are being judged.”
