Years ago, Darrell’s life had become harder than he ever expected. He was a veteran, and he lost his job during COVID. Without steady income, he couldn’t afford the mortgage on his house anymore, so he had to sell it. For a while, he lived off the money from the sale, hoping things would get better soon. But savings don’t last forever.
By the time he enrolled for support, Darrell had used up every resource he had. He was moving from hotel to hotel, struggling to pay even for a single night. He didn’t have the money for a deposit on a new place, and he had never been homeless before. Being on the streets made him feel like “a fish out of water,” and every day felt uncertain and frightening.
Things started to change when he found help through Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). His case manager worked closely with him and helped cover move‑in costs for a new home. She took him to Newby Ginnings – a non-profit that provides necessities to Veterans – so he could get furniture. He received a move‑in kit and a bed, which made his empty apartment start to feel more like a home.
Darrell had always dreamed of having his own washer and dryer, especially since his new place had the hookups ready. His case manager worked hard to make that happen. With help from a wonderful employee and manager at the appliance store, they lowered the price so it would fit within the program’s limit. That small act made a big difference in Darrell’s life. After moving in, Darrell sent his case manager an email to thank her for everything. He even took photos of the washer and dryer being installed.
For the first time in a while, he could breathe. He finally began planning for the future. He was getting ready to adopt a cat and even a fish. He finally had a place that felt safe, and he was proud to call it home.
Darrell shared, “I appreciate the efforts of the team at SSVF…at a time when I thought I would be homeless forever, they were there when I needed them.” His case manager was inspired by Darrell’s grit and resilience, saying, “He didn’t complain but waited patiently for his chance to get support. It is often people like him that make my job worth doing.”
Today, Darrell doesn’t have to just survive—he’s building a life again. He has a home, comfort, stability, and the hope he thought he’d lost. And most of all, he proved to himself that even in the hardest moments, it’s never too late to start again.