This story was written by John, a formerly unhoused veteran. He wanted to thank the Hays County Veterans Services Office for the help he received. It’s in his own words with only a few edits for clarity.
John, a 34-year-old disabled army veteran and San Antonio native, came to San Marcos in January to start a new life. Knowing how to survive the streets came easy to him with his military background and previous homeless experiences. Familiar with the services and resources that are in San Antonio for himself and other vets, it didn’t take him long to seek out services in San Marcos.
He knew there would be waiting, but anything worth having is worth waiting for. A new life? Let’s check that off the list. That was when he got in touch with the Hays County Veterans Services Office. Little did he know that this would become a one stop shop for everything he needed to start a new life. Back home, John had waited months for a case manager to return a phone call to get a claim with the VA started. The day after he asked the VSO about a claim, they had the process started.
In February there was a winter freeze, the VSO was ready, calling veterans trying to get them into hotel rooms until the storm passed. If he needed food, they had a food pantry he could get from, with the recent EBT cuts something like this is crucial to not only vets but the community. They got John in touch with the San Marcos housing authority to apply for a HUD-VASH voucher BR3T who provided a temporary hotel stay until the results came in on the voucher. Soon after with voucher in hand John was in the home stretch. He could now afford rent with his social security and live on his own. Their help didn’t stop there either, they even provided him with furniture and kitchenware to get him started in his new home. Within just a few months the Hays County Veteran Services office and its amazing team helped John get stable housing and other help.
“I’m so grateful for them. If I never found them, I honestly dot know where I would be. Thank you for helping me find my way home,” he said.
John pictured with a house made of sticks he lived in when he arrived in San Marcos.
John in his new home.
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