A Veteran Finds Home

Good news, folks. I have another bright report in my challenging case load of homeless and precariously-housed Veterans. Let’s call this Veteran Gertrude. Gertrude was one of my few women Veterans. She was already in her seventies when she was referred to me as being at imminent risk of losing her housing. She is a sweet and outspoken woman, with strongly held views on many issues, but always adamant about being an advocate for her own well-being and access to an adequate, if not better-than-average, level of service delivery for herself.

Working with Gertrude presented a unique challenge. Due to her pre-existing service-related trauma and injuries, coupled with serious physical and mental health concerns, her mood swings were significant. We often saw her shift from being very sweet and kind to confrontational, and then to outright belligerent and nasty. This would typically be followed by a period of penitence and apology, especially after our various housing initiatives. From Gertrude's perspective, these housing initiatives were invariably found to be lacking in some way, whether regarding price, features, location, or amenities, from both reasonable and, at times, unreasonable viewpoints.

So, finally, after five months of essentially fruitless searching on our end and multiple visits from me and Gertrude to countless apartment units, I had to concede that I had reached the end of my ability to help Gertrude find housing. Imminent deadlines regarding her necessity to vacate her care facility at that time came and went. A flurry of phone calls and Zoom calls were launched between me and various stakeholders within Gertrude’s circle of care, and ultimately, I let go and let God, because I could no longer do anything within my own power to help Gertrude.

As with such things, when I decide to let go and put things in God’s hands, a solution presents itself. In this case, one of Gertrude’s close blood relatives stepped up and intervened assertively, finding a place for Gertrude and essentially acting in a directive and categorical manner. Gertrude's relative overrode her ongoing objections to our housing options. She just needed her family to be family to her, taking ownership of her care outcome.

So, Gertrude soon called me a few days later, and was almost walking on sunshine, so to speak. She was over the moon about her new place; the food was great, and the people were nice. Wow, what a difference family makes in a person’s life! So God bless Gertrude and to all at OIM who continuously pray for our Veterans.

~ Peter Stuart, Veterans Housing Coordinator