VA housing and support helps veteran recover from addiction
A Navy veteran who served from 1968 to 1970 has successfully rebuilt his life after years of housing instability and addiction, thanks to VA housing assistance and dedicated social work support. Gregory Searls, who worked as an equipment operator at multiple naval bases during his service, found himself struggling with substance use and homelessness during his transition to civilian life—challenges that persisted for years until a fellow veteran encouraged him to seek help from VA. His story illustrates how the Department of Veterans Affairs' HUD-VASH program provides not just shelter, but comprehensive support that addresses the interconnected challenges many aging veterans face.
The HUD-VASH program is a collaborative effort between the VA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development that combines permanent housing vouchers with VA supportive services. Veterans enrolled in the program receive rental assistance to secure stable housing in the private market, along with case management and clinical services provided by VA social workers. For veterans who are aging or disabled and need more intensive support, an enhanced version of HUD-VASH offers additional in-home medical assistance and stronger connections to community resources. This enhanced program recognizes that housing alone isn't always enough—some veterans need help with transportation, employment, medical care coordination, and relearning independent living skills.
The program serves homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness across the country, regardless of their era of service or disability rating. Searls' experience demonstrates how the program works in practice: after entering substance use treatment with support from his son and VA staff, he was connected to VA outreach social worker Ivan Ferrouillet, who placed him in a veterans shelter. From there, Ferrouillet linked him to the enhanced HUD-VASH program at VA Greater Los Angeles, where social worker Dr. Roshonda Tolbert coordinated his move into a permanent apartment and provided ongoing support across multiple areas of his life.
The comprehensive nature of the assistance Searls received extended far beyond simply providing a roof over his head. Tolbert helped him navigate transportation barriers, secure employment, and develop independent living skills while coordinating his medical care. She also introduced him to activities and experiences he hadn't enjoyed in years, including simple pleasures like going to the movies. This holistic approach allowed Searls to focus on maintaining his sobriety and rediscovering what brings him joy, rather than constantly worrying about where he would sleep or how he would meet his basic needs. Today, he participates in HUD-VASH activities and outings, rides his scooter around his neighborhood, and has built a support network of fellow veterans who understand his experiences.
For disabled veterans, housing stability often serves as the foundation upon which recovery and quality of life are built. Many aging veterans face challenges that extend beyond their service-connected disabilities—social isolation, limited access to resources, and difficulty navigating complex systems can all compound existing health issues. The HUD-VASH program addresses these interconnected challenges by pairing permanent housing with the clinical expertise and care coordination that VA social workers provide, creating a pathway from crisis to stability.
Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability don't have to navigate these challenges alone. According to Searls, the process to get connected was straightforward: "Just come in and say 'I need help.'" Veterans seeking assistance can contact a VA social worker by calling MyVA411 at 800-698-2411 or by visiting their local VA facility. For veterans in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line provides immediate support from caring, qualified responders, many of whom are veterans themselves, available 24 hours a day.