VES helps at-risk veteran avoid homelessness, find job

When Don, a U.S. military veteran, began working with VES in December he was facing a difficult winter. Having been recently laid off, Don was living in a fifth wheel camper and was unsure about his future.

Veterans’ Career Advisor Bill Mourufas quickly stepped in to help. Recognizing Don’s urgent need for stable shelter, Bill connected him with Supportive Services for Veteran Families, which was established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2011 to rapidly re-house homeless veterans and prevent homelessness to very low-income veterans at imminent risk due to a housing crisis.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families was able to place Don in a local motel that very same day. It was the first step toward rebuilding stability.

Over the following weeks, Don worked closely with both Bill and Supportive Services for Veteran Families. With ongoing housing support, he transitioned from the motel into a stable apartment, providing him with a secure base to focus on his long-term goals.

Bill provided career coaching and job search assistance, helping Don identify opportunities that matched his skills and interests. Together, they explored options, honed application materials and practiced for interviews, all while ensuring Don remained stably housed thanks to continued coordination with Supportive Services for Veteran Families.

In April, Don’s hard work and perseverance paid off. He was hired by Ken Graham Trucking as a truck driver. It marked a major milestone in his journey toward self-sufficiency and long-term success.