Profiles of VICtory: Laura, Navy Veteran

Meet Laura, a Navy Veteran

Laura served in the Navy during the 1980’s and received a General Discharge after getting married. Unfortunately, after several years, her marriage ended in divorce, and she decided to move to the mountains because nature made her happy. After several years, Laura was frustrated with her local VA and decided to move to New Mexico, where she spent the last 10 years living in a broken-down RV. She heard about the VIC’s Transitional Housing program while at the Albuquerque VA, and was told that the VIC staff were very helpful and understanding. For the first time, Laura had hope and enrolled in the Transitional Housing Program. Laura had a roommate who also felt the same about the support for female Veterans, and started to feel like she had a place to belong. Laura flourished in the Transitional Housing Program and started her own business selling crochet bags. She was able to get counseling on site for her struggles that affected her life, and worked on getting permanent housing with the VIC staff. She was assigned a Case Manager with the Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and with the help of her two case managers was able to develop a strong plan that would put her in permanent housing within 6 months. Laura was connected with the Social Security Administration for benefits, and other resources that allowed her to get the medical care she needed. With the help of our Housing Specialist, Laura was able to find a new home that made her feel safe and supported instead of living on squalor. Laura still stops by the VIC to say hello and to show her crochet bags that are therapeutic to her mental health and wellness. She is living happily and in safety, has three cats that keep her company.

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