After I graduated from East High School in Denver, back in the early ‘90s, I didn’t know what I wanted to do next in my life. Like a lot of kids at that age, I felt lost and confused.
College wasn’t on my radar, so I decided to join the military. It was a good decision at the time and one that taught me many things and provided me with many life-changing experiences. I traveled, I lived in different states, I met amazing people, and I learned a ton.
I got out of the service after several years and came back to Colorado. Being a single mom of four I worked a lot of different jobs, including for the post office.
For a while, things were okay. But it seemed that just as quickly, they weren’t.
My military duty changed me. I was proud to be in the Navy and to serve my country, but while in the service, I became an alcoholic. My 18-year addiction now included a drug addiction and was so profound that I lost my family and I lost my job. I became homeless and lived on the streets for years. Not surprisingly, my addiction severely impacted my mental and physical health, something that is still a challenge today.
I tell my story often, but even so, saying those words is difficult. Difficult, even though I overcame my addiction.
And even though it’s difficult, I tell my story because it is one that I share with far too many veterans. Today in Colorado, nine percent of homeless people are veterans. On one single night in January 2019 in the U.S., 37,085 veterans were homeless in the same nation they had dedicated their lives to serving. Every day in the newspapers and on TV you hear stories of the rise in homelessness, especially among veterans. Denver’s mayor is working hard to find a solution. I don’t know why exactly this issue hits vets so hard; all I know is that it’s a societal issue we need to do something about before it’s too late.
I know that these proud and brave men and women don’t want to be in the situation they are in. I know that they want something better for themselves and their families. Like me, many of them have tried rehabs and other ways to get their lives back on course, but too often their moments of sobriety don’t last long. There are, of course, many factors that make it difficult; mental health issues, lack of employment, and food insecurity to name just a few.
It feels like yesterday that I was in the same spot that too many of Colorado’s – and our country’s – homeless veterans find themselves in. So, on this Veteran’s Day, I want to tell the hopeful part of my story.
My story took a positive turn on a day about ten years ago. It was then that I happened to hear about a conference in downtown Denver about homelessness. I decided to walk in and I saw a table staffed by a team from Volunteers of America Colorado. They talked to me about their veterans’ services and the housing and employment assistance they could provide. It didn’t happen right away, but pretty soon I found myself going to VOA’s meal service programs, taking showers at their facility, and taking part in support programs designed just for vets. And even though I had nothing, it wasn’t long before they found me an apartment and helped me get a job. Suddenly, my life was improving. I credit having faith in God and in myself.
And what I think made all the difference was that the resources I received weren’t JUST housing or JUST food. The resources I received addressed ALL my needs; from housing to employment to therapy.
And what ALSO made the difference was the people I encountered. Even at my initial intake, I felt a spark ignite in my heart. I had felt completely broken but the people who helped me gave me hope. My recovery wasn’t easy, but I am stronger for it. My children are healthy and happy, I have good friends and a good job, and I contribute to my community when I can.
In a full-circle moment, I now work for VOA as a cook (a skill I learned in the Navy!). I get to talk to other vets every day and nothing makes me happier than when I can share a bit of the hope that was given me with them. I tell them that there are resources available to them and to never give up. I listen and I tell them my story so they can see someone just like them, that’s been where they are…scared, cold, hungry…but that’s come out the other side.
Today I am a certified sous chef and I want to someday have my own business. And I will always be here for my fellow veterans who need support.
On Veterans Day, my wish is that my fellow vets who are suffering find the help they need and that those who can step up and help them do so in any way you can.
If you are a veteran or the family of a veteran in need of assistance, please call the Veterans Crisis Line simply by dialing 988 and pressing 1. You can also text at 838255.