Real Lives Changed by NVHS

Wanda G., a 62-year-old service-connected disabled veteran, reached out to NVHS for help moving from an apartment that had a leaking roof and black mold, which was making her and her wife sick. Our team stepped in, covering the cost of a moving company and the deposits for a new apartment, helping them transition to a stable and healthy living environment.

Today, Wanda and her wife are thriving in their new home. Wanda shared, “We are doing great, we love it here, it’s nice. I appreciate you with all my heart. Thank you for all that you do.” Her story is a reminder of how timely support can restore health, safety, and peace of mind for veterans and their families.

Katherine T., a 75-year-old Air Force veteran, lives with disabilities and limited income. For years, she had managed to stay in her home, but her front stairs had become dangerously unstable. Every trip up or down filled her with fear that one wrong step could lead to a devastating fall.

When Katherine walked into the NVHS office, she was not asking for much, just safe stairs so she could enter and exit her home without risking her health. Our team reached out to a trusted partner, Home Depot, and together we made sure she received more than she expected. Not only were her stairs replaced, but she was surprised with an entirely new porch. 

To make her home feel even more inviting, the team decorated it and added comfortable chairs where she could relax and enjoy the outdoors. For Katherine, this was not just about new construction. It was about reclaiming her confidence and safety in the place she calls home.

The Burrell family’s world changed suddenly when they lost their home after an eviction. With no place to go, D. Burrell, his wife, and their young daughter entered NVHS transitional housing. It was a safe space to regroup and start building toward stability again.

Life threw them another challenge when their daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Balancing full-time work for D. Burrell, caring for a child undergoing treatment, and managing everyday responsibilities became even harder. Transportation quickly became a major obstacle since the family only had one vehicle. Getting to medical appointments and work often meant exhausting schedules and difficult choices.

Recognizing this challenge, NVHS stepped in to help lift some of the burden. The Burrells received a van that will make travel to work and treatments more manageable. The road ahead will still have challenges, but the family now has reliable transportation and a stronger foundation to keep moving forward together. Your journey toward stability, security, and a brighter future can begin right now with one simple call to NVHS, where someone is ready to listen and help.

At 81 years old, Army veteran K. Conry was living on just $900 a month from Social Security Retirement. Most of that income went toward lot rent, leaving little for anything else. The math simply did not add up, and eviction was becoming a very real possibility.

Our team worked with a partner agency to help Conry apply for VA benefits and secure an increase in food assistance. In the meantime, NVHS covered his lot rent to ensure he would not lose his housing. We also provided food and essential items to help bridge the gap.

The results were life-changing. Conry was awarded a VA non-service-connected pension along with increased food stamps. This extra support now gives him the financial stability to remain in his home and meet his daily needs without fear of losing the roof over his head.

Marine veteran Timothy Cornelison spent nearly a year homeless, camping in the woods. His path to stability began when he stopped by the House of Hope food pantry, where he met the NVHS Outreach Team.

Timothy had tried to apply for VA benefits years earlier, but his application was lost in the system. Frustrated and discouraged, he gave up on the process and eventually lost his housing. This time, with NVHS and a dedicated VA caseworker in his corner, Timothy was approved for VA healthcare and HUD-VASH housing assistance.

NVHS provided furniture, household items, and ongoing encouragement as he transitioned into his new apartment. He has now been stably housed for almost a year, attends all of his VA healthcare appointments, and participates regularly in AA meetings. Most remarkably, Timothy has reconciled with his wife, something he once thought would never be possible.

After relocating to Brevard County from South Florida, Air Force veteran P. Polich found herself without stable housing. She stayed with friends when possible, rented a car to sleep in when she could afford it, and sometimes had no choice but to sleep on the streets.

Feeling like she had reached her last resort, she called NVHS. During that conversation, she discovered that there were resources available and people ready to guide her through the housing process. We quickly placed her in a motel, providing food and hygiene supplies while we worked with a partner agency specializing in housing for female veterans.

Today, P. Polich is living in transitional housing and focusing on her job search without the constant stress of not knowing where she will sleep. Having a safe place to stay has given her the stability she needs to rebuild her life and prepare for
the future.

When Bruce B., an Army veteran who served in Vietnam during the 68th Tet Offensive, first connected with NVHS, he was living in the woods and struggling to manage serious health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and a hernia. For years, he had gone without medical care and lived day to day, disconnected from the support
he needed.

NVHS worked with Bruce over nearly 19 months, beginning by addressing his immediate needs with food, hygiene supplies, and steady encouragement. Staff gently guided him toward housing options and VA services, meeting him where he was and respecting his pace. Through patience, consistent support, and connection to partner agencies offering case management, sobriety resources, and medical assistance, Bruce gradually began to trust the help available.

As Bruce continues to rebuild his life, he is looking forward to welcoming a therapy dog into his home. He plans to get a small dachshund, a companion to provide comfort and support as he navigates this next chapter. This new addition represents another step toward stability, connection, and the simple joys that come with having a partner by your side.

With guidance and resources in place, Bruce started to re-engage with life, regain his independence, and take control of his health. Today, he is on a clear path to permanent housing and rebuilding the life he had put on hold. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right support at the right time, even long-standing struggles can be transformed into opportunity.

When Teresa R., an Army veteran and tactical circuit controller with the 82nd, first connected with NVHS, she was struggling to find stable housing while caring for her young nephew. Sleeping wherever she could, Teresa faced uncertainty every day and worried about providing a safe, stable environment for
her family.

Through a chance conversation at the House of Hope, our staff quickly connected with Teresa and listened to her needs. They helped her find a permanent place to live, offering steady support through her health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, and assisting with rent when she could not work.

With NVHS by her side, Teresa was able to focus on rebuilding her life and providing security for her nephew. Her story is a powerful example of how compassionate support at the right time can create lasting stability
and hope.

When David, a Marine veteran with 13 years of service, and his family faced an eviction notice, they found themselves in a stressful and uncertain situation. With five children and a newborn, the pressure of looming homelessness added to the challenges of transitioning between jobs and managing daily life.

NVHS stepped in quickly, connecting the family with resources for veterans and providing two months’ rent to stabilize their home. This support allowed David to catch up on bills and focus on rebuilding financial security for
his family.

With a roof over their heads and the immediate crisis resolved, David and his family could focus on the future. Their story is a reminder that timely support can relieve overwhelming burdens and create a path to stability and hope.

When Jasmine J., a United States Army veteran, faced eviction and the threat of utility shut offs while pregnant and caring for her young son, she felt overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. NVHS stepped in quickly, helping her manage bills, stabilize her housing, and relieve the immediate pressures weighing heavily on her and her growing family.

With these challenges addressed, Jasmine was able to focus on the future, starting school and planning for her new baby, while gaining confidence and peace of mind. NVHS provided more than practical support. They offered reassurance and guidance, reminding her that help is available and that she was not alone. Her story highlights the vital impact timely, compassionate assistance can have in helping veterans regain stability and hope.