James was among the estimated 570 veterans experiencing homelessness who resided in Tennessee. After returning from fighting for his country, he returned home disabled and disenfranchised. James struggled to find employment, and then he struggled to find a warm place to sleep as he became one of the many experiencing chronic homelessness in Nashville. Then, James found The Salvation Army’s Supportive Housing program.
The first thing James and his case manager worked on was re-engaging with primary healthcare support to assist with his disability. From there, his case manager worked to get him to multiple interviews in hopes of securing his first job in a long time. All the hard work and perseverance paid off when James successfully landed a job at a high-end dining establishment, providing his first steady income in several months. Within a short time of entering the Supportive housing program, James had his healthcare under control and a full-time job. Now all he needed was a home. Less than 2 months after entering the program, James got his wish a permanent subsidized house of his own.
However, a fire has now been lit in James. He is no longer content with simply a job and home…he wants to thrive and grow! He made the decision to go back to school and purchased his own personal computer to help him be successful when he starts college classes. To learn more about the programs of The Salvation Army visit SalvationArmyNashville.org.
Misty Ratcliff, Development and Communications Manager, The Salvation Army, Nashville Area Command – http://www.salvationarmynashville.org/
