Stuck in a cycle of instability, Billy once faced homelessness without a strong support network behind him. He found both home and community within the walls of VOA’s Foundation House, where the welcoming staff helped him get back on his feet. With a permanent apartment, Billy was able to focus on improving his mental and physical well-being and reconnect with family.
Hoping to turn his experiences into a source of hope for others, Billy is training to become a peer support specialist. “A lot of the struggles I went through provided me with a unique opportunity in that I’m able to help these people now,” he said. “Without having the stability I’ve established here, I wouldn’t have been able to proceed with that goal.”
As Billy rebuilds his life, he recognizes in hindsight that his challenges were a pivotal moment in his life, but they led him to where he needed to be today.
He hopes his story might help others see that there’s more to each person’s journey than meets the eye. “A lot of people tend to believe that all homeless people did it to themselves. A lot of us were just victims of unfortunate circumstances,” said Billy. “I think a lot of folks tend to believe that almost every homeless person is automatically an addict, or a criminal… or a degenerate, and that’s not the case.”
Billy’s journey reflects VOA’s mission to foster self-reliance and stability by restoring hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. His story is a reminder that with the right support, new beginnings are always possible.