Homeless Prevention 2020
A Veteran’s Story
From Homeless to Hope
With no money or family support, Tasha experienced chronic homelessness after a divorce resulted in depleted finances and nowhere to go but her storage unit. Unfortunately, it got worse when Tasha’s health deteriorated from the conditions she was living in – to the point where she needed to be hospitalized.
After multiple attempts, NMCAA staff connected with Tasha just as she was being released from the hospital and she enrolled in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. A motel room was secured as a temporary shelter. Because her health had deteriorated so dramatically, moving into the motel room made a big difference on her physical health, including keeping her safe during the COVID pandemic.
While recuperating, NMCAA helped Tasha sign up for multiple services, including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) program, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, and the State of Michigan Adult Protective Services (APS) program. APS provided her with resources, including a nurse aide to help with her recovery and assistance locating permanent housing. Within six months of residing in transitional housing, Tasha moved into permanent housing in Traverse City County using her housing choice voucher.
Good things continued for Tasha – with her stimulus check from the federal government, she purchased her first set of furniture that include a recliner, a sleeper sofa, and a small couch. The community stepped up to help Tasha by donating a new bed, welcome baskets with groceries, cleaning supplies, store vouchers and more. With the support of the SSVF program and community partners, Tasha has a bed to sleep in each night, a kitchen to make her meals, and a home where she is safe and dry. Housing is a universal right, and it is the only solution to homelessness.
How NMCAA Homeless Prevention Team has Helped in 2020:
105 Of Veteran households experiencing homelessness attained safe and affordable permanent housing
91% Of Veteran households exited SSVF Rapid Re-housing programs to permanent housing solution
