“My family and I appreciate everything MACV did for me.”- Housed Army Veteran Terry 

In 2023, 50% of the Veterans MACV served were 55 years of age or older. Veterans over 55 are the largest age group we engage at MACV, and the average age of a MACV-served Veteran is 52. Problems faced by older Veterans include a growing need for affordable and accessible housing, which is in a critical shortage in Minnesota. 

Veterans also become homeless significantly later in their lives than the general population, which often adds a layer of specialized needs to stabilize the homeless Veteran’s housing. Army Veteran Terry is one of many Veterans over 55 that MACV will serve this year. 

At 83 years old, Terry never imagined he would be facing homelessness. When his apartment became outdated and unaffordable, he began searching for assistance. The VA connected him to MACV. Terry, his daughters, and MACV worked together to find Terry an affordable place to call home. This partnership began a new chapter for Terry, filled with hope and renewed stability.

Terry now resides in a welcoming 55+ living community, an environment tailored to meet his needs and preferences. He is excited to live somewhere his grandkids can come visit. This new chapter was sweetened further by a generous gesture from Coldwell Banker, which furnished Terry’s new apartment with brand-new furniture, transforming it into a warm, inviting home.

“It means a lot to us knowing he is in a secure, new building without risks of mold and other health concerns that can occur in older apartments like he was previously in. In addition, being the new complex is for 55+ senior living his neighbors will likely be more his age or likeness. This can be an advantage from a comfort standpoint. He is looking forward to meeting new people as he is a very social guy.” -Shauwn, Terry’s Daughter 

Terry’s story is a testament to the resilience and strength that define our Veterans. It underscores the critical role of organizations like MACV in bridging the gap between Veterans looking to rebuild their lives at any age and the resources that can transform them. Through the Shallow Subsidy program funded by Supportive Services for Veteran Families, MACV provided housing for Terry. As Terry embarks on this new chapter, his story continues to inspire and remind us of the profound impact of community support.