No one expects to become homeless.
Men and women who served our country do not expect to struggle and make the heart-wrenching decision to send their kids to live with friends like Terry did.
"After 4 years trying to adjust to life outside the military, I fell on hard times and became homeless," explained Navy Veteran Terry.
Terry and his wife were homeless for 6 months, separated from their 4 young kids.
Warren's story is similar. He served in the Army for 8 years and left with medical issues like hearing loss, heart conditions, and PTSD. He, his wife, and 3 of their kids (15, 14, and 8 years old) experienced homelessness for 2 years.
"The last year we were living in a home that was uninhabitable," described Warren. "We had a roof over our heads and that was all. It wasn't safe or meant for people to live in."
Most people who experience homelessness work hard and don't expect it could happen to them.
"I never thought homelessness would come knocking on my door," admitted Jill, 65, who always had a steady income as an ER nurse. "But I was wrong."
In her profession, Jill recognized that many people are never more than a few paychecks away from homelessness. Still, she didn't think it would become her story.
"It's just a matter of a couple of bad circumstances that come together, and it happens just like that."
The good news is that Terry, Warren, and Jill are now, in Jill's words, "grateful to have gotten on the other side of homelessness."
Thanks to your donations and the collective effort of 16 nonprofits in the Denton County Housing Crisis Response System, they are part of the 1,113 individuals and families who have gained safe and stable housing in Denton County since 2017.
Terry, Warren, and Jill all worked with our Landlord Engagement Manager to overcome obstacles like prior evictions and bad credit.
"After getting help from United Way of Denton County things changed for the better," said Terry. "We now have a stable home for my family."
"We have been stable for a year now," said Warren who, in turn, has been able to provide support to his 21-year old daughter and granddaughters.
"The housing is absolutely perfect for our needs," said Jill who's been housed for over 18 months. "I will forever be grateful for you and all that you have done for us."
You can join the effort to provide solutions to end or prevent homelessness in Denton County by...
✋volunteering at the annual homelessness census - the Point-in-Time Count,
🛒purchasing items from the PIT Count Amazon Wish List, and/or
💸 donating to United Way of Denton County.
