Woodrow never imagined he would one day be homeless but, Woodrow, 52, an Army veteran was struggling to afford housing because he says he was “saddled with child care payments”.

While serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Woodrow suffered an eye-injury which resulted in his medical discharge. He worked on and off over the next two decades, but in 2014 things changed. He lost his job and he became homeless for the first time.

In March 2014, he was referred to HVAF’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program which helps homeless and near homeless veterans stay in their homes by providing rental and utility assistance for those who quality.

HVAF case managers introduced him to the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic (NCLC) an HVAF partner for his ongoing child support issues.

“NCLC seeks to meet the legal needs of veterans as they seek to reestablish stable housing and employment,” says Staff Attorney Brian N. Dunkel. “The focus is on civil legal issues that present obstacles to achieving that type of stability. Homeless veterans frequently have questions and confront problems with child support, driver’s license, debt collection and landlord-tenant issues.”

With the help from these services, Woodrow remains in his apartment and secured full-time employment. He now has his financial freedom.

Woodrow W. at HVAF