A Veteran's Victory: Peter and Rita's Story
"Peter and Rita moved into their new apartment on Thursday, October 3, 2024, less than a month after connecting with HomeFirst. A bed and household essentials supplied by HomeFirst donors were provided to ease their transition to permanent housing"
HomeFirst Case Manager, Tonya Green with Rita and Peter
In times of adversity, people often find hope in compassion and community support. This hope was present at the recent Outreach Fair, which HomeFirst hosted at Roosevelt Community Park on September 13, 2024. On this day, the SSVF team tabled to provide information regarding the Supportive Services For Veteran Families (SSVF) program and conduct pre-screenings and intakes for eligible veterans and their families.
Veteran Peter and his wife, Rita, seniors who were living and sleeping in their car, attended the resource fair seeking food resources, access to free showers, and additional assistance. The couple
had been working actively to connect with veteran resources through the VA but had been unsuccessful. Overwhelmed and uncertain about their future, and particularly concerned about the upcoming heat and their health, they felt lost.
At the resource fair, Peter and Rita were welcomed warmly by HomeFirst staff. SSVF Program Manager, Marissa Aranda, and Case Manager, Tonya Green, conducted an on-the-spot pre-screening and listened to their story. They completed Peter and Rita’s eligibility and intake for SSVF, marking a significant step forward for the pair. The couple also participated in the fair’s raffle and won a prize that contained a Target gift card, a hygiene kit, and clothing provided by HomeFirst donors. Peter expressed that this Friday the 13th was a lucky day!
Thanks to the support offered by HomeFirst both at the resource fair and afterwards, Peter and Rita were able to move off the streets. They were placed in SSVF's Emergency Housing Program, allowing them to stay in a hotel instead of their car. With the couple temporarily housed, their Case Manager worked diligently to finalize the paperwork needed for Peter and Rita to secure permanent housing, advocating for their needs, wants, and housing preferences. Unbeknownst to the couple, HomeFirst had already started the HUD-VASH* voucher application process, inching them closer to completing the VASH application, and securing a permanent home.
HomeFirst Program Manager, Marissa Aranda, and Case Manager, Tonya Green.
With a safe place to sleep and rest, Peter and Rita felt relieved and supported. The SSVF team provided essential information and connections to HUD-VASH, enabling them to quickly secure permanent housing. Peter and Rita moved into their new apartment on Thursday, October 3, 2024, less than a month after connecting with HomeFirst. A bed and household essentials supplied by HomeFirst donors were provided to ease their transition to permanent housing.
Peter and Rita’s perseverance has paid off, and they are amazed at how quickly their situation changed with the support of SSVF. They continue to express gratitude to their Case Manager and HomeFirst for organizing the outreach fair and for the swift action of the SSVF Team in providing the support they desperately needed after a year of hardship and homelessness.
The story of Peter and Rita is a testament to the impact of Home First and the help that HomeFirst and our supporters offer to veterans in need. Their journey reminds us that with determination, resource fairs, dedicated staff, and a community of compassionate donors, we can turn challenges into opportunities for a brighter future. SSVF will continue to support Peter and Rita throughout their move-in process and the final steps needed with HUD-VASH. We look forward to witnessing their continued progress.
*If you are interested in learning more about HUD-VASH vouchers, you can do so by clicking here.
Last Updated 2024