Chris, a Navy veteran, was a frequent guest at the Jefferson City Room at the Inn (JCRATI) this past winter. While in the shelter, he disclosed to a volunteer that he was struggling with suicidal ideation. Due to his life circumstances and inconsistent housing, he struggled to sustain employment and his mental health was suffering.
Through the JCRATI, he learned of CMCA’s veterans housing outreach event in Jefferson City. Excited about getting his own place, Chris was the first in line at the outreach event. CMCA staff spent hours with Chris completing his application, and he was able to secure a Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing voucher. Just five days later, Chris had the keys to his own apartment.
With secure housing, Chris’s mental health improved, and he was able to work consistently, save enough to fix his truck and reconnect with his daughter. This is what we mean when we say we are about providing a hand up, not a hand out.
