Numbers say a lot – but they don’t say everything. Below are stories from the people who encountered Operation Dignity in a critical moment in their lives and are now in a better place.
“A SAFE PLACE TO SLEEP”
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Q: “What would you tell another veteran experiencing homelessness about Operation Dignity?”
A: “I would tell them my story of being homeless and how the program helped me. It gave me a safe place to sleep and helped me find permanent housing. My case manager was really supportive, too.”
– a formerly homeless graduate of Operation Dignity’s transitional housing. He now lives in permanent housing in Oakland.
“STRAIGHTENING SOME THINGS OUT”
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“Operation Dignity allowed me to stabilize and prepare for my future.
“I appreciate the opportunity to straighten some things out and rest my weary head.”
– a formerly homeless veteran who stayed at our Oakland housing program.
“STABILITY AND A SAFE ENVIRONMENT”
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“I would likely recommend that any homeless veteran come to Operation Dignity. Whatever the barrier, they can provide stability and a safe environment.”
N., a veteran who exited our programs into his own housing in Oakland in October 2018.
“ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES”
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“What keeps me alive is knowing there are people out there who don’t think I’m expendable. There are a lot of homeless veterans who don’t come forward because they just don’t know that there’s help available. Operation Dignity has given me hope – I’m one of the lucky ones.”
– a Vietnam veteran in Operation Dignity’s housing programs
“MY OWN DRIVING FORCE”
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“Operation Dignity helped me to become my own driving force, and they supplied me with temporary housing while I figured it out. I give them a lot of credit for helping me.“
– a U.S. Army veteran who secured permanent housing through our programs.
“GREEN THROUGH AND THROUGH!”
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“I’m a green man – green through and through!”
William, an Army veteran, shared his story of life at our House of Dignity in Oakland.
“IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY”
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“It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay. Thank you!
– A young boy comforting his father as they moved into Operation Dignity’s housing after being homeless.
“KEEP WORKING AT IT”
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“My advice – to my old self and to everyone – is to keep working at it and never give up. I suffer from PTSD and other illnesses. But I love this country, and Operation Dignity has given me a chance to get on my feet.”
– A veteran in our programs