This story is part of HVAF’s annual tradition: 12 Vets of Christmas, where each day we are featuring a veteran whose life has been positively changed because of the essential services and programs HVAF provided in 2021.

After the Navy

Like many veterans, Bianca struggled with transitioning out of the military. 

“After getting out of the Navy, it was weird as far as trying to get a job and finding a place to live,” Bianca said, who served from 2012-2014. 

COVID-19 & HVAF’s blessings

When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, Bianca lost her home. Thankfully, HVAF stepped in immediately and provided her with a hotel room. Hotel stays are a new way for HVAF to serve veterans – thanks to increased donations at the beginning of the Pandemic. HVAF paid for 4,400+ nights in hotels for homeless and at-risk veterans in 2020. 

Bianca lived in a hotel room for one year, which HVAF covered the entire time, on top of helping provide her with food and a job. Last April, Bianca moved into HVAF’s Permanent Supportive Housing apartments: Veterans Villa. 

“I was beyond excited. I was about to get on a rooftop and scream!” Bianca said. “It’s good to have my own space.” 

She said she has enjoyed working with HVAF’s Housing Property Manager Will – and said he is the best property manager she has ever had. 

Bianca’s case manager, April, enjoys having her as one of Veterans Villa’s residents. 

“Bianca is a stellar resident who is always cheerful and friendly,” April said. “She exudes kindness and confidence and we love that she chose to join our community at Veterans Villa!” 

Next steps

As far as next steps, Bianca plans to move up in the job she has right now. She is working from home with Bluecross Blue Shield at their internet help desk. 

“I’ve been working there and trying to get my metrics up so I can move up. I’ve also been learning code on the side, as it’s an entrance to the IT field,” Bianca said. “I do like it a lot, I’ve been learning different types of codes and learning IT on my own.” 

She would also love to own a 50-gallon fish tank and have a bunch of fish living in there.

Asking for help

Bianca understands it’s hard to ask for help, but encourages her fellow veterans to set their pride aside and ask for help when needed. 

“It’s like when we were in the military, nobody can do anything by themselves. You do need help. So you have to get past that pride and ask for help,” Bianca said. “Everybody needs help. Humans are a communal species. We didn’t get to where we are by being alone, we got to where we are by helping each other out.”

YOUR continued support ensures that other veterans like Bianca receive the life-changing help they need. Will you make a tax-deductible donation today to support those veterans?

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