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”
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”
“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”
“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”
“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”
“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!”
“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”
“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”
“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