Our Drive To Change Lives – Daniel’s Road to Stability

For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life isn’t a single moment—it’s an ongoing journey. For Army veteran Daniel, that journey began in 2001. Daniel had nearly a decade of service, being deployed twice, serving as a gunner in both Bosnia and Afghanistan.

When he left the military in 2010, he didn’t have time to pause and reflect on his service. He had responsibilities waiting for him. “I just hit the ground running,” Daniel recalls.

But even the most resilient veterans can face unexpected hurdles. Last summer, Daniel found himself facing a crisis that affects far too many of our heroes: the threat of homelessness. Daniel was handed an eviction notice, and suddenly, the stability he had worked so hard for was at risk.

With nowhere to turn, Daniel reached out to the VA, and while they were not able to assist, he found a lifeline when the VA connected him to HVAF.

Daniel and his new car!

At HVAF, we believe that no hero should ever be homeless, and our team immediately stepped in to assist Daniel. Thanks to rental assistance and a case manager to help him work with the landlord, Daniel was ultimately allowed to stay, securing his stability. But this story illustrates the precarious nature of stable housing for many veterans.

But housing stability is often just the first piece of the puzzle. Daniel faced another significant barrier: mobility.

Daniel suffers from a foot injury that makes walking difficult and painful. To make matters worse, his vehicle broke down in October, right as the temperatures began to drop. Without a car, simple tasks became grueling ordeals, and finding employment became nearly impossible.

“I’ve been a little lost… just asking people for rides or just straight up walking,” Daniel said. “And when you have a bad nerve in your foot, walking is not a good thing to be doing.” Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, HVAF was able to hand Daniel the keys to a donated car. The impact was immediate and profound.

“Oh my god, yeah,” Daniel said, expressing his relief. “Now I don’t have to walk in the snow if I need to go somewhere. It’s a safety net.”

This vehicle is more than just transportation; it is a lifeline. It grants Daniel the independence to run errands, attend medical appointments, and crucially, search for a job that accommodates his physical needs.

With a roof over his head and a reliable set of wheels, Daniel is looking toward the future with optimism. His primary goal is simple: “Losing weight and going back to work.”
Because of his injury, Daniel is looking for a seated role where he can apply his military discipline to a civilian workforce. He describes himself as “somebody dedicated and hard-working”—traits that served him well as a gunner and continue to define his character today. Daniel is currently working with HVAF’s employment team and hopes to find something soon! Despite the challenges he has faced, Daniel remains incredibly grateful to YOU for the support he received.

Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of community support. From the case managers who helped navigate his housing crisis to the donor who provided his car, every interaction was fueled by people who care.

When asked what he would say to those who donate to HVAF, Daniel’s message was clear. “They’re doing a good thing, helping a veteran, like me,” he said.”

There are hundreds of veterans in our community right now who, like Daniel, just need a hand up to get back on their feet. Whether it is through rental assistance, a pantry visit, or a life-changing donation like a vehicle, your support changes lives.

Donate today to support veterans like Daniel!

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