{"id":9290,"date":"2023-05-08T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=9290"},"modified":"2023-05-09T06:49:26","modified_gmt":"2023-05-09T06:49:26","slug":"va-helps-homeless-army-veteran-find-a-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=9290","title":{"rendered":"VA helps homeless Army Veteran find a home"},"content":{"rendered":"

A VA social worker helped a homeless Army Veteran Teress White find a home.<\/p>\n

Growing up in the small village of Hopkins Park, Illinois, White considered herself a \u201ccountry girl.\u201d As a child, when her family members in the Army and Navy shared stories and pictures of koalas from their military travels, she knew she wanted the same adventures for herself. \u201cThey are living their lives. I need to do that,\u201d she remembered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m from the country\u2026 this is nothing.\u201d<\/h2>\n

Just days after graduating high school, White reported to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The 10 weeks were tough, but she was tougher. As she stood next to only a few other female soldiers in her class at graduation, she felt proud of her accomplishment and ready to serve her country.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Her familiarity with operating a tractor came in handy when she became the only female driver in her unit at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; she hauled fuel, ammunition and water. <\/p>\n

She laughs, remembering the surprise of her fellow soldiers upon seeing her driving skills. She told them, \u201cI\u2019m from the country, this is nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/a>
Army Veteran Teressa White<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

While her unit benefited from White\u2019s knowledge and courage, she also benefited from the support they provided. \u201cThey become your brothers and your friends,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was no time to be scared.\u201d<\/h2>\n

A few years into her service, an air suppression explosion occurred in the vehicle White was driving. Her hearing was damaged, as was her eagerness to drive. The explosion was terrifying and she felt a new type of stress every day when she entered her vehicle. \u201cI still have to go to work every day. I have to stick this out. There was no time to be scared,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Shifting gears after service<\/h2>\n

When it came time to reenlist, she was still feeling the impact of the explosion, both physically and mentally. Private First Class White shifted gears and began the transition to civilian life.<\/p>\n

White had plenty of questions racing through her mind: How would she readjust to family life? What would she do with her downtime? What career would she pursue?\u00a0<\/p>\n

She found part-time jobs and stayed with family while she saved for her own place. However, her family members had full houses and young kids. She began to feel like a burden and soon opted to live out of her car.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m too young to be asking for help.\u201d<\/h2>\n

Like many Veterans, White was hesitant to ask for help. Veterans she met encouraged her to visit VA and ask what services she qualified for, but she was unsure.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was really embarrassed. I was scared,\u201d she said, believing that VA programs were intended for older Veterans. \u201cI\u2019m too young to be asking for help. I had to just put myself out there and be okay to ask questions and reach out.\u201d<\/p>\n

White first visited the Kankakee Veterans Assistance Commission to receive household supplies. A representative at the front desk said, \u201cI know somebody who can help. Her name is Gabby.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gift of Gab(by)<\/h2>\n

\u201cGabby called and, ever since, she\u2019s been here,\u201d White said, smiling and sitting next to her VA social worker, Gabby Marcinowski, at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital<\/a>. She connected White with a HUD-VASH<\/a> voucher, which enabled her to find the apartment she lives in today.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was such a hard worker every step of the way,\u201d Marcinowski said of White.<\/p>\n

Driving down a new path<\/h2>\n

In the three years she has worked with Marcinowski and VA, White has found stable housing, meaningful employment and the courage to ask for help. She has redefined the meaning of \u201cresilient\u201d for herself.\u00a0\u00a0She has discovered that no matter which path she pursues in the future, she is prepared to drive forward. And if the road gets bumpy, she will never be alone. Marcinowski and VA are ready to co-pilot.<\/p>\n

Her advice to those who know Veterans making the transition to civilian life? \u201cBe kind. Be patient. It will go a long way,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Learn about VA programs<\/h2>\n