Once-homeless Veteran Says, “VA Inspired Me to Become a Full-Time Social Worker to Assist My Veteran Colleagues”

Veronica Olson is a social worker with U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Veronica works at the Care, Treatment, and Rehabilitative Services (CTRS) initiative, a low-barrier shelter service at the West Los Angeles VA. Veronica’s journey working with VA began long before earning her Master of Social Work degree. 

“I'm a female Veteran, and there was a time when I was homeless,” said Veronica. “I just needed a little bit of help, and I didn't know where to get it. The West Los Angeles VA, this place, this environment, this community saved my life, and that's why I work so hard.” 

Veronica added, “This was a very difficult time for me, and I encountered a lot of dark imaginings. However, I want all people to know, but particularly Veterans, that life is not always easy, but it does get better.”  

Initially, Veronica did not know where or how to become VA connected, but Veronica’s family helped her find VA resources, including transitional housing and counseling. Eventually Veronica received HUD-VASH permanent housing, a collaborative program between HUD and VA that combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help Veterans who are homeless, and their families, find and sustain permanent housing.  

“We have an open-door, no wrong-door philosophy for people who need to be connected to Veteran services—from social services to health care to housing solutions,” said Matthew McGahran, Chief, Community Engagement & Reintegration Service. “Our program welcomes Veterans, and our job is to help and provide supportive and medical services available to Veterans.” 

When asked what advice Veronica would like to share with Veterans facing difficulties in life, she said, “Don’t make a permanent decision based on emotion. My life exponentially got better once I asked for and accepted help. The VA has a great open-door philosophy where you can access help through any door to connect with Veteran services.”  

To the question, what does she likes most about VA, Veronica said, “The most obvious for me is serving Veterans. I am so very grateful to those who helped me when I was homeless and needed a helping hand, and I'm just proud to be a part of a helping hand for the next Veteran that's down on their luck or going through it. We also have so many resources available that are not on the civilian side, and I'm grateful for those resources, and so many opportunities.” 

Veronica went on to say the CTRS team—the social workers, peer supports, and supervisors—all want to help and do what they can. Veronica says she has learned as much as she has because of people who work at the CTRS initiative. Veronica credits the entire team with the strength and dedication it takes to go the extra mile for Veterans. “My favorite thing is seeing a Veteran go through the stages of getting better, moving forward, going into a transitional housing program, or even getting an apartment through [the HUD-VASH] program,” said Veronica. “I live for those wins because seeing the team help somebody move forward, and seeing this place utilized for what it's meant to be…it just amazes me every day.” 

According to Veronica, “When I accepted assistance from VA…that experience encouraged me to help other Veterans.”  

After Veronica graduated from a Transitional Housing program, she talked with her mother and family at a family gathering. She recalls talking about wanting to go to school, and her uncle, a 20-year Navy Veteran, told Veronica that she still had time to use her GI Bill, which helped cover her college expenses. 

“I started addressing my mental health, emotions, physical health, and got a part-time job,” said Veronica. “I learned about service connection, received my rating, and became financially stabilized.” 

While connected with Veteran services, Veronica researched the VA Women's Clinic (located on the first floor of the main hospital, building 500 on the West LA Campus), and after only a week, she decided she loved it.  

“There's not really any need for me to go anywhere else—something drew me to it. I was only here several days a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—that’s all I needed,” said Veronica. The women’s health program offers women Veterans comprehensive care, including primary care, mental healthcare and counseling, lifestyle wellness services, gynecology, and maternity care.   

“I've never seen or heard about a situation like CTRS or Veterans in tiny shelters on campus. I witnessed people who were down on their luck getting plugged back into society through VA programs. Seeing this lit something inside me. I always knew I wanted to help people,” added Veronica. 

Being on the military track enabled Veronica to undertake internships working with Veterans during her graduate studies at University of Southern California.  

“One of those internships was at the West Los Angeles VA,” said Veronica. “That was my top choice, and I’ve never looked back.” 

Today, Veronica is a full-time social worker at West Los Angeles Campus CTRS initiative. Veronica works to empower Veterans by helping improve their social determinants of health, which include conditions, such as safe housing, transportation; economic stability, education access, and job opportunities; access to nutritious foods and physical activity; health care access in a person’s social and community context. Veronica says connecting Veterans to these much-needed services has a major impact.   

“Organizations, such as VA, and their partners in sectors like education, transportation, and housing are taking action to improve the conditions in Veteran’s lives and living environments,” said Veronica. “I know sometimes life brings us down, but there are people, like me, who have gone through hard times. Helping people see the light and get through those difficult times is why I do what I do.” 

Veronica wants Veterans and the public to know that help is available. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is struggling with depression or suicide, the VA can help you. If you or someone you know is a suicide risk, call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255 by cell phone to contact the Suicide Crisis Hotline. Call a battle buddy, call a friend, and ask them how their day and life are going. If you are a Veteran or are someone who knows a Veteran who is homeless or needs housing assistance, contact the Community Engagement and Reintegration Services main line at 310-268-3269 or visit the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Homeless Programs website.  

Veronica Olson lives in Los Angeles with her English Bulldog Brutus and has family in New Mexico.