Meet Cynthia, an Air Force Veteran
Cynthia served in the Air Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003. When she left the military after three combat tours, she married and had three children. After struggling to fully transition, the family found themselves on hard times, homeless and staying on a relative’s couch, when Cynthia’s husband lost his job due to health issues and she had to become a full-time care provider. Cynthia heard about the VIC through our VA Liaison. Cynthia was unsure what program would be best for her, and after speaking with our Intake Specialist, she chose to enroll in our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. Veterans are always given information about all VIC housing programs. As part of empowering them to take control of their future, Veterans are given the choice to choose which program would work best for their unique situation. Staff provide recommendations, but the ultimate decision is made by the Veteran. After completing her assessment with her VIC case manager, the two identified unique housing needs because of her husband’s medical conditions, and they began their search. Cynthia was also eligible for a HUD-VASH voucher through the VA Homeless Program, and after qualifying worked with the VIC Housing Specialist to find the new home for her family. The housing voucher would allow the family to get help with the rent and utilities, but still be able to afford to live financially safe for the future. This support would then allow the family to continue getting the specialized medical care for Cynthia’s husband, and ensure her children would have a home that ensured they did not have to worry about being homeless again. The family was notified after three weeks that they were approved for a housing voucher, and were subsequently helped with move in costs including a deposit and rent through the SSVF Program. After ten challenging months, Cynthia’s husband’s health improved and she was able to return to work. Cynthia expressed sincere gratitude for the help the VIC provided in her time of need during some of the most challenging times in her family’s life.
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