Success Story:
Housing & Financial Empowerment Helps Individuals and Families Build Financial Security
Doug, West Virginia
Hi, I’m Doug. I am a Disabled Veteran and until recently… a homeless veteran.
Two-and-a-half years ago, I had a nice job and a nice home. But when I suffered from a heart attack in October 2015, my life changed forever. I lost my savings, my job, my insurance, my car, my peace of mind, and eventually my home. I was down-and-out physically and emotionally, and I needed help.
My social worker at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center told me about Victory House, a nice transitional house for veterans experiencing homelessness, run by Telamon in West Virginia. Upon entering the Victory House late in 2017, I had nothing – no source of income, no job, and no food. I was grateful to have a roof over my head.
“Thanks to Telamon, I am now happy, healthy, finally feeling like myself again!”
Christie, a dedicated Telamon staff member, provided the support that I needed during my stay at the Victory House. During my first week, she helped me to devise a realistic “personalized plan” that would allow me to achieve my goals. She helped me apply for food stamps and get a monthly bus pass. She reviewed my budget and held me accountable for saving a set percentage of my monthly income, to work toward my goal: moving into my own apartment. A top priority in my plan was to apply to veterans’ assistance programs. With Christie’s encouragement, I was awarded benefits shortly after applying. I now had the financial resources to move into my own apartment, which I did in the spring of 2018.
My primary goal upon entering Victory House was to create a source of income for myself and secure stable, permanent housing. With the help of Christie and Telamon, I was able to achieve both these goals. I am now happy, healthy, finally feeling like myself again, and preparing to be a substitute teacher in the local school system. Thank you, Telamon!!
Telamon-TRC’s Housing & Financial Empowerment programs help individuals and families build financial security through education and to secure affordable, revitalized and safe housing options. Telamon offers a variety of Housing & Financial Empowerment workshops and customized services, specializing in: financial management and budget counseling, credit education, pre-purchase homebuyer programs, rental education and counseling, foreclosure prevention and loss mitigation services, and personal financial coaching.
Since 1965 Telamon-TRC has helped individuals like you access services that lead to better jobs, better lives, and better communities. Find a Housing & Financial Empowerment program near you today!
