Meet Carter, a Navy Veteran
Carter serviced in the Navy from 1999 to 2011 and deployed three times to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After leaving the Navy, Carter had challenges adjusting to civilian life. He relocated from South Carolina to New Mexico, and tried to enroll in college. After two semesters, Carter found it challenging to focus on his studies, as he had a partner who was ill and needed some help. He left school and tried to do his part, but continued to have problems adjusting to civilian life. When his relationship fell through, Carter tried school again, but found himself quitting because he could not keep his grades up or concentrate on his studies. With schooling, Carter did not qualify for his educational benefits, and found himself homeless living in his car. A friend he met at school told him about the VIC, and Carter drove to our offices to get more information.
Apprehensive at first, Carter spent some time talking with our Outreach Specialist. He decided to accept our services, and was immediately enrolled in our Emergency Housing Program so that he could sleep safely, having hot water, and food so he could end his homelessness. Carter then enrolled in our Transitional Housing Program, where he identified that he suffered from PTSD. After realizing mental health was an issue affecting his life, Carter started in house counseling and filed for VA disability. A common problem that many Veterans face after combat, Carter’s situation is common and over 20 Veterans a day commit suicide because they do not access adequate services or have support systems in place. He developed his own Individualized Service Plan (ISP) with his VIC case manager. This ISP helps provide a blueprint to recovery and tasks that will help the Veteran get back on track and achieve independence. With the help from our Housing Specialist, Carter found an apartment and moved into his new home after five months with the help of the VIC staff. His relationship with his partner improved and he from moved from South Carolina to be together. Carter reenrolled at the local college, and finished his degree graduating in December 2019. He now has wedding plans, on hold because of COVID-19, and is working to find a new job. Carter knows we can’t wait to be a part of their celebration.
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