“Home is stability.” -Housed Army Veteran Amanda

Years after serving in the Army, Amanda found herself searching for stable housing for herself and her family.

As a mother of three sons, Amanda was focused on creating a safe and stable future while navigating a difficult housing situation. When her options became limited, she reached out to the Veterans Crisis Line and was ultimately connected to the VA and MACV.With support from the VA, MACV, and a Ramsey County housing voucher, Amanda moved into one of MACV’s Housing for Heroes single-family homes in St. Paul.

“I thought this was absolutely beautiful,” she said. “This is the nicest place I’ve ever lived.”

For Amanda, having a home means more than having a place to live.

“Home is stability,” she said. “I’m not worrying about where I’m going to sleep.”

The VA helped Amanda make the transition into her new home by providing essential furnishings, including bunk beds and other household items. During the holidays, community support through MACV helped make the season special for her family.

“My kids and I got some incredible gifts,” Amanda said.

Today, Amanda is enjoying the stability that comes with having a place to call home. She spends time exploring her neighborhood, visiting nearby parks, geocaching, and stopping at Free Little Libraries. The neighborhood food shelf and other nearby resources have also helped her settle in and connect with her community. Most importantly, Amanda has the peace of mind that comes from knowing she has a safe place to return to each day and a foundation she can continue building on for herself and her family.

For Veterans facing a housing crisis, Amanda’s message is simple: don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reaching out connected her to the resources and support that helped her secure stable housing and move forward with confidence.