Beginning Anew
Marine Corps Veteran Michael White is pushing the reset button and restarting his life with the help of staff at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
Laid off from his job as a high school social studies teacher, White has had some medical issues and faced a few financial setbacks over the past few years. Last summer he found himself evicted and living in his car. Then he heard about the Houston VA’s new Community Resource and Referral Center and says his life changed dramatically.
“I walked into the CRRC and immediately felt a sense of peace,” he said. “The VA staff were so welcoming, and I was able to immediately get a shower, do my laundry and get connected to resources. Before I knew it, they were helping me get my benefits straightened out and putting me on a path to get housing. It was truly amazing.”
Houston VA’s CRRC opened earlier this year to support homeless and at-risk Veterans with housing, health and mental health care, career development, and access to benefits. Already more than 700 Veterans have come through the new facility, which is located a few miles from the main medical center in the heart of city and close to public transportation.
“Our CRRC is designed to be a place of support and refuge for Veterans like Mr. White,” said Emily Winfield, LCSW, CRRC Director. “We want to get them off the street and moving toward housing as quickly as possible. It’s so rewarding watching them get back on their feet.”
White, who served 18 years in the Marines with multiple deployments during Operation Desert Shield, says he was particularly impressed by the family-like atmosphere at the CRRC. He regularly goes to the CRRC for medical appointments and has enjoyed meeting other Veterans facing similar challenges.
“It means so much to me to know that I’m not alone,” he said. “I’m getting a chance to start over… and with all this support, I expect to be in my new apartment in just a few weeks. ”
In 2024, Houston VA was among the top ten VA facilities in the country in housing Veterans. Houston VA housed 980 Veterans in fiscal year 2024, surpassing the Department of Veterans Affairs' national goal by 36%. Winfield emphasized that community partnerships are key to successfully addressing Veteran homelessness.
“We are proud to be a part of the Houston community that provides such great resources for homeless Veterans,” she said. “We have invited many of our community partners to have a permanent presence at our CRRC to ensure our Veterans receive as much ongoing support and assistance as possible.”
VA’s efforts to combat Veteran homelessness are grounded in reaching out to homeless Veterans, understanding their unique needs, and addressing them. These efforts are built on the evidence-based “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes getting a Veteran into housing, then providing or connecting them with the wraparound services and supports they need to stay housed — including health care, job training, legal and education assistance, and more.
“We are committed to supporting Veterans through the process of being housed however we can, with minimal barriers,” said Winfield. “These Veterans fought for our country, and now it’s our turn to fight for them.”
If you are a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). Visit VA.gov/homeless to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.