Mark L. was a homeless, disabled U.S. Marines veteran, who desperately needed housing. Having faced adversity in Florida, he relocated to Georgia for a fresh start. Once he arrived, he searched online for veterans housing and discovered Veterans Empowerment Organization.

For decades, after separating from military service, veteran care was one-size-fits-all. But we know each veteran is different, and there is no “one” veteran to fit neatly into this framework. Today, a better plan to serve veterans exists. It is by developing an individual pathway based on each veteran’s experience and stated needs.

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With Veterans Empowerment Organization, serving veterans becomes a journey to self-sufficiency by empowering veterans to independently access communities of support. There is no pre-determined timeline, and oftentimes veterans take one step forward and two steps back. So, success can be accomplished in ways that we don’t necessarily think about in our daily lives.

 

Mark L. was a homeless, disabled U.S. Marines veteran, who desperately needed housing. Having faced adversity in Florida, he relocated to Georgia for a fresh start. Once he arrived, he searched online for veterans housing and discovered Veterans Empowerment Organization. Mark came to VEO with all required documentation, toured the campus, and wanted to move in immediately. He completed the intake assessment, enrolled in the supportive housing program, and was assigned a case manager.

 

Mark worked diligently with his case manager to find affordable housing and resources for basic needs. He attended mental health meetings and financial literacy workshops, opened a bank account, and registered for peer support groups. In January 2023, Mark moved into his new apartment. He was referred to the Furniture Bank of Atlanta and also provided resources for food and clothing.