Meet Alex & Ana
January 2, 2021
Meet Claudia
January 3, 2021
When Finding a Better Solution Isn’t Immediately Available
After a career om the Navy and VA Hospital in Tacoma, Donald was left with chronic pain in his shoulders and back, and a need for double wrist surgery. Unfortunately, his disability status affected his employment, retirement plan, and savings. For three and half years, Donald experienced homelessness, and struggled to acquire the resources he needed to regain stability again.
“I was always trying to find a better solution, but there wasn’t always one available,” he said about living in a homeless shelter. “I would go to the park to get exercise, go to the library to research things.” He worked with his VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) counselor and secured a permanent home at Imagine Housing’s Francis Village community.
With stable housing, he’s been able to work toward his health goals and completed his double wrist surgery. He enjoys community meals at Francis Village, and says it’s important that people help veterans experiencing homelessness transition into stable housing, because he knows finding and connecting with resources can feel overwhelming.
“It’s more conducive to allow people to try to reestablish themselves in being a part of a community. It gives them the opportunity to be responsible for themselves and their community. When you’re given the opportunity to maintain the roof over your head, you can take pride in it.”
Posted July 31, 2019
