“I’ve got my own place, I’ve got an education, my health is great – there is no way I would have been able to do this without VHVH, no way.”
Robert, a U.S. Navy veteran, came to VHVH in 2011. After the Navy and struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, Robert found himself in prison. With a prison record and his health deteriorating, he could no longer find steady employment. Robert became homeless.
While in the homeless shelter, Robert learned of the VHVH program. Eager to improve his life, his health and with help from the VA to end his addiction, Robert entered the VHVH program. “When you’re homeless you don’t have time to pursue anything, you’re just surviving. VHVH provides food, a home with other veterans and counselors on site. The counselors help you learn how to manage life again, to set your goals and help you access the resources you need to succeed,” explains Robert. “The VHVH program guides homeless veterans’ transition from depending on community resources to contributing back to society.”
The VHVH program offered Robert the time and support to rebuild structure and stability in his life and improve his health. He now has an Associate’s degree and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Winston-Salem State University.
“I’ve got my own place, I’ve got an education, my health is great,” says Robert. “I hope to one day be a substance abuse counselor for veterans and help the veterans, they way that I got helped. There is no way I would have been able to do this without VHVH, no way.”
