I was 18 years old when I joined the Army. I was small for my age compared to most of the guys in my troop, which, unfortunately, made me a target during my service and led to a profoundly personal and traumatic experience. I still carry this painful experience with me today. Although I married a woman and we had a beautiful son together, I didn’t think I  could or would ever truly feel comfortable. Ultimately, we divorced, and I later met another woman who I went on to date for quite some time. I felt like I found hope, something that I  lacked for all these years. However, she passed away from a heart attack in 2023, which led to my alcohol addiction. From there, everything unraveled. I lost my job, found myself living on the beach and in my car, and was arrested. I went to Windmoor Healthcare Center upon my release, and was eventually referred to HEP.  

Being at HEP has helped me find a sense of security. The benefits specialist was instrumental in helping me secure my state ID, my birth certificate, and even my voter 

registration. HEP’s wellness program covers everything: a volunteer optometrist who prescribed me new eyeglasses, a healthcare navigator who transported me to all my doctor’s appointments, and an on-site Dental Clinic, where volunteer dentists performed corrective dental treatment. The quality of care I have received here is unlike any other.  

The highlight of my time at HEP has to be my experiences at the Veterans Clubhouse. The other Vets and I enjoy getting together for movie nights, grill-outs, and other fun activities and outings that the activity coordinators plan. I even picked up a volunteer gig at the  Seaside Bird Sanctuary after one of our visits there. My case manager is helping me apply for permanent housing and I am truly looking forward to enjoying life again. I am finally starting to feel like myself again.