I Came to VA to Get My Life Together and it Worked
“O 70!” “B 2!” “A 12!” Letters and numbers ring out across the room as several dozen Veterans rush to adjust their bingo cards.
Air Force Veteran Douglas Bell sits at the front, shouting the numbers as they flash on a big screen. He’s the official bingo caller at West LA VA, and for 12 years he’s been leading groups in the classic game of chance.
Bell is a longtime volunteer with the Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) (formerly known as Voluntary Service). Ever since he rebuilt his own life with the help of VA, he’s been on a mission to help his fellow Veterans.
“I like being a beneficial presence on this planet,” he said with a big smile.
Finding home
From 1976 to 1987, Bell served as a weapons technician in in the Air Force. He was assigned to Las Vegas and the Philippines. Eventually he ended up in L.A., bouncing from house to house without a place to call his own.
“I came to VA to get my life together and it worked,” he said.
He can proudly say he’s been sober for nearly 15 years. Bell’s journey started at an on-campus transitional housing program where he attended classes and followed a structured regimen to help in his recovery.
He later went on to work as a house manager, helping guide other Veterans who were on a similar journey.
From there, Bell obtained permanent supportive housing through the HUD-VASH program, which provides housing vouchers through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paired with wraparound services from VA. Community partners provided funds for his first and last month’s rent, electric and gas deposits. He’s been living in VASH housing for 12 years and loves his apartment in North Hollywood.
“Don’t take no for an answer”
Ever since his successful transition into housing, he’s been busy giving back the time, effort and compassion others at VA offered him. In addition to bingo, he helps with bedside visits, BBQs and other CDCE outreach efforts.
His advice to other Veterans facing similar challenges? “You don’t take no for an answer when you go for your goals, especially when you’re getting your life back together.”
He emphasizes that there’s a lot of help available for Veterans, but “a closed mouth don’t get fed.”
Through his volunteer work, every day Bell serves as an example of what’s possible with dedication, persistence, and help from VA and its many community partners. “I like helping people and that’s what God put me on this earth for.”