NCServes Central Carolina, Operation Decisive Victory join forces to combat homelessness

The negative effects of COVID-19 brought on a considerable amount strain and economical stress to millions of Americans. Many companies and small businesses are struggling financially to stay afloat causing a heightened unemployment rate. We have witnessed a significant spike in drug abuse, addiction, mental anxiety and depression. For Jeffery, a Vietnam Veteran, drugs were once the answer to cope with the struggles of life, but he swore to never return down that path of destruction again.

Over the past few years, Jeffery has been actively working and enrolled in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program for veterans. The collaborative program between HUD and the VA combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help Veterans and their families who are homeless find and sustain permanent housing. Through public housing authorities, HUD provides rental assistance vouchers for privately owned housing to Veterans who are eligible for VA health care services and are experiencing homelessness.

Jeffery lost his job shortly after COVID -19 rapidly spread across the country, but he failed to notify the HUD-VASH program in enough time to process his request for support before his next housing bill was due. He was ordered by his landlord to pay his rent of $600 in a matter of days. Lack payment would result in a hefty fine associated with an eviction court. Jeffery was faced with the harsh reality that he may be forced to move out, fearing that he would himself in the same situation he was previously in, where his drug addiction began as a homeless man and living on the streets.

Jeffery reached out to NCserves Central Carolina for guidance on his situation. NCServes specializes in finding solutions and a list of providers during tough situations for our active duty, reserve, retired, veterans and their families. When a NCServes Community Coordinator received notice of this Vietnam veteran’s predicament, they wasted no time in reaching out to their list of providers to help a veteran in need.

The NCServes Community Coordinator immediately reached out to their contacts at Operation Decisive Victory, a non-profit organization founded in 2018. Operation Decisive Victory was established to bridge the gap in services available to our veteran community and is determined to find proactive solutions to the daily ‘war at home’ fought by our service members, veterans and their families.

During a time where resources and funding are scarce due to COVID-19, NCServes Central Carolina, the USO of NC with the assistance of Operation Decisive Victory where able to assist with Jeffery’s monthly bill, saving him from legal fees and homelessness. Giving Jeffery time to seek other employment opportunities through various outlets and providers such Operation Decisive Victory.

“NCServes, you literally saved my life because if I didn’t get help, I would be back on the streets tempted to fall into the addictive lifestyle I have worked so hard to get away from,” said Jeffery, a Vietnam Veteran.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please visit the NCServes Carolina website or call 1-866-249-6656 to speak with a Community Coordinator for assistance.