The Sound of Stability
In small-town Ohio, right here in Licking County, we encounter a 49-year-old female Veteran facing challenges at every turn. Serving in the Air Force and active Reserves from 1992 to 2000, her life took an unexpected turn. After facing loss, homelessness, and finding the comfort of a new home, this is the story of “Anna.”
Dedicating her life to the art of music, Anna* found passion as a piano instructor. Even as she began to make a name for herself, circumstances took a turn for the worst. Prompted by her mother’s passing, she had to move from Florida back to Ohio to take care of things, leaving her residing in her car with only her dog and some musical instruments.
Faced with the stark reality of homelessness, she sought assistance from the Licking County Veterans’ Service Commission. They connected her to LCCH where Tanaya, one of our two SSVF case managers, was able to assist. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) is a program designed to assist low-income veterans with their housing through Veteran’s Affairs (VA).
With the Salvation Army having a waitlist for women’s beds, swift action was taken to get her into a hotel for the night. Within 24 hours, Tanaya informed her of an available apartment. The application process unfolded seamlessly, and within two days of that initial intake, Anna received the news of her approval. The journey towards stability had begun.
With so much loss in her life, Anna couldn’t stand losing her dog as well. After a weeklong process, she was able to designate her dog as an emotional support animal. A home is more than just four walls and a roof. So with the help of our SSVF funding, we could provide a new bed, a television, towels, bedding, and a welcome basket filled with essentials to establish Anna into her new life.
The next day, we furnished the apartment with a couch, a dining table with chairs, a dresser, and various dishes. The warmth and care invested in this transition were not lost on the grateful veteran, who went from the loss of a car and home, to having a place of her own.
Anna stands as a testament to resilience, a private music teacher who recently transitioned to our SSVF Shallow Subsidy program, a VA supplement to assist veterans with their rent payments for up to two years.
Her love for her apartment mirrors the newfound stability in her life. In the symphony of challenges, her story resounds as a melody of hope. She stands as a reminder that no matter where you are, who you are, or what happens in your life, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay well, Anna!
*Pseudonyms used to protect client confidentiality