Army veteran experiencing homelessness finds home, new career and wrap-around services through va atlanta | va atlanta health care | veterans affairs

Living out of her car, Army Veteran Rosalyn Martin entered the Fort McPherson VA Clinic not knowing what to expect but needed help. There she was met by a VA liaison who leaped into action,

offering the resources she didn’t know were available to assist her. “The care that was provided for me, I was just like thank you, God, it was such a painless process,” said Rosalyn Martin,

who finished her appointment on a Thursday and by that weekend, had a new women’s shelter to stay in. “I was happy and floored at how quickly everything was provided for me.” Earlier this

year, Martin stated she was involved in toxic environments and relationships that started to unravel her stability. She had lost those closest to her, including her cousin, father, and

brother - which took a devastating toll on her mental health. “Not having a solid foundation and mental health issues, [I knew] I needed to be stable mentally and emotionally,” said Martin.

“I found myself in a cycle of trying to get my life together just to have these toxic relationships stop me in my tracks. I didn’t know what to do at one point. I started sleeping in my car

and driving for Uber full-time.” While she was trying to get her footing, life gave her another hit. A car accident in 2022 left her back severely injured. She started self-medicating to

deal with the physical and emotional pain of losing those who were closest to her. After toughing it out for a long time, she decided to try the Atlanta VA. Among the VA resources she took

advantage of were the Goodwill Career Center Job Fairs, which had VA’s Compensated Work Therapy Program representatives available to introduce her to Veteran-friendly employers ready to

hire. From there, she met a recruiter for the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in Atlanta. “Rosalyn Martin was connected to care through community partnerships VA Atlanta already had in

place,” said Tina Lewis, Martin’s case manager and Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) social worker. “We provide supportive living for women and women with children who have suffered

from addiction and homelessness, offering a safe place to rebuild their lives. The goal of Community Transitional Housing is to allow participants the opportunity to save money and be

independent in the community.” Martin says when she arrived at the women’s shelter it was like they rolled the red carpet out for her. They knew her name and assessed her for eligibility

into a Veteran-focused program called VIP. “I was accepted into the VIP Program where I now share a condo with another person. I get to live in a nice, warm place, I don’t have to pay for

rent, and all I can just focus on me, getting on with my life, and focusing on my mental health,” said Martin, who has picked up where she left off making body butters and soaps for one of

her business’s and relaunching her beauty company. “Losing my dad, friend, and brother took its toll on me. I didn’t have them to help anchor me to this world and the goals I have for my

life.” However, Martin says this new lease on life affirms her faith in God and herself. “I had so much support that I felt like I couldn’t fail,” said Martin. “This is what I’ve been

praying for, to be given the time, support, and someone to believe in me.” Among the VA resources she took advantage of were the Goodwill Career Center Job Fairs, which had VA’s Compensated

Work Therapy (CWT) Program representatives available to introduce her to Veteran-friendly employers ready to hire. From there, she met a recruiter for the Department of Juvenile Justice

(DJJ) in Atlanta. On October 14, 2024, VA announced it permanently housed nearly 48,000 homeless Veterans in fiscal year 2024 — and 134,000 Veterans since 2022. This progress demonstrates

the impact of the VA and its ongoing nationwide efforts to combat Veteran homelessness. According to a recent story by the Atlanta VA, as part of the VA’s nationwide effort to reduce Veteran

homelessness to record lows, the Atlanta VA Health Care System, in collaboration with key community partners, permanently housed 803 local Veterans experiencing homelessness this year.

Atlanta exceeded its target by 196.1%, placing it fifth among the top seven communities in the nation for reducing Veteran homelessness. Additionally, only 2.1% of those Atlanta-area

Veterans returned to homelessness within the same period. Atlanta VA Health Care System Helps Veterans Homelessness Drop To Record Low Levels | VA Atlanta Health Care | Veterans Affairs

***We all have a part to play in ending Veteran homelessness. There are many ways Americans can help end Veteran homelessness: * If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of

homelessness, or someone who knows a Veteran in this situation, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for assistance. It is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors

who can talk with you right now and connect you with your nearest VA for help. * If you are a landlord or housing provider with housing units, rent to Veterans participating in VA homeless

programs.  * If you are a business owner, hire homeless and formerly homeless Veterans.  * For more information on renting to or hiring homeless Veterans, visit www.va.gov/homeless.