Chris’ Story

chris saves the cardboard box sign he made from when he was on the streets as a reminder of how far he’s come…

Following my brother’s footsteps, I got my GED and joined the military when I was 17. My mom had to sign a waiver.

I chose the Marines because I really liked the uniform and I knew I needed a kick in the ass just to get motivated. So, I joined in 2003 and served until 2011. Primarily as a sergeant, I ran a cryptographic radio section. We fixed drag, spy planes and a lot of com gear. My deployment and overall a good experience serving in Iraq; however, there were a couple of major incidents. One really shook me up. My wife at the time was pregnant with my first-born son and this complicated matters. After the incident, I was in a significant downward spiral and actually wasn't diagnosed with PSTD until I landed at VCP.

When I returned to the states, things just weren't working out on so many levels. Ultimately, I was discharged because I started coping with my problems through the use of alcohol and drugs. I was kicked out of the military after eight and a half years of dedicated service. 

The combination of being separated from my wife (taking my two kids to St Louis) and being discharged took a great toll on me. I found myself homeless and in and out of jail.

Despite all that I had accomplished in the military, I was a stranger to myself. I was separated from everybody I knew including family and friends. And the legal challenges mounted with many appearances in court.  

Because of my discharge status, I was ineligible for a lot of resources available to Veterans and it wasn't until I saw VCP on a television commercial that a hopeful path emerged.

I was quite moved that community volunteers were putting up Christmas lights on houses in the VCP tiny home village. I thought, “Well…that's good for the homeless veterans, but that doesn't apply to me because of my discharge status and the many doors repeatedly closed in my face.”

Even though my mom and earnestly tried to get me help and have my benefits reinstated, unless you receive an honorable discharge, you're not eligible for any resources or assistance.

It didn't seem fair. I didn't know how to get help. And I assumed VCP would simply be another closed door.  

Well, I ran into a probation officer and she encouraged me to visit Veterans Community Project. The VCP team arranged for a bus pass which helped solve transportation issues. I saw myself moving off of my sister's couch and giving in to homelessness, the drug world and staying numb on alcohol.

Ultimately, I signed up for an interview to explore VCP housing. Not only did they not care about my discharge status, they were insistent on getting me help. This was a remarkable feeling. It gave me hope and a new outlook on life. I saw myself ‘plugging back’ into society.

When I was out there homeless and on drugs, I didn't want to be in a homeless shelter. I didn't want to be around people because I didn't trust anybody. I really didn't even trust myself. So, I chose to live on borrowed couches, a tent in the woods or under a bridge. I was barely getting by.

But when I got with the Veterans Community Project team and was accepted into their housing model, it was like the first step where I kind of started pulling my head out of the sand. I began trusting individuals again and actually felt comfortable with their associates because they had also served. I was proud to identify as a marine again.

Transition.

I felt completely different the day I showed up with a trash bag of my stuff and my bicycle and walked into my tiny home house. I couldn't believe that everything was new, cozy and was for me. A large burden was lifted off my shoulders because I couldn't even imagine what other obstacles I would have to overcome to find stable housing.

Because VCP gave me a chance, I decided to give me a chance. I committed to work with the case manager and explore all VCP has to offer; I found myself pushing hard to realize success in their program.

Today, I am working on my associate degree. I joined a hockey team. I am working on my health and career options. VCP is even helping me build my credit score so I can eventually apply for permanent housing.

I am so very thankful for VCP and wish all of their generous donors to know they are difference-makers. Even life savers.