Losing her job, a car accident, and homelessness were some of the significant challenges BriGette experienced. She found herself building up momentum only to run into another roadblock, but she never lost hope. BriGette took advantage of the HUD-VASH program to find housing and help her transition to home ownership.
View Video TranscriptBriGette:
A typical day was me working two jobs, going to school and having someone keep my daughter at night because I wanted her to go to school but I didn't want her to not see me, so I would work at night and have someone keep her so that when she'd get up I'd take her to school and do all those things and then I would go to school and then I would work, and then I would go pick her up and then I'd take her somewhere so she would get sleep with the sitter and then I'd go back to work at night, so that's pretty much how it went for about a three or four-year period while I was trying to go to school and trying to get a better job.
After 9/11 I was working for a bank and they started laying folk off and I was part of that process. I got another job, it was just starting again, just getting the money working, and then I got in a really bad car accident, and then I had to come off from work, so I would get started and get some good momentum going and then something would happen.
2003 was the first time I would meet the definition of homelessness currently. There was a lot of couch surfing, figuring things out, staying with friends, that kind of thing right after I got out, but at that time we didn’t consider that homelessness? We just kind of considered it transitioning. You would just say “Oh, you know, I’m in transition.” The second time that I was homeless was in 2005, then again in 2009, so I just kept hitting bumps, and like I said I’d get some momentum and then another bump and then it’s, like, “Ugh, I’ve got to work it out and—”, I’m not going to give up. That’s not going to happen, but it’s very difficult. It can be very difficult.
We were in a program, actually it’s called Home Stretch, the second time, and that program just basically was for middle income families who are working and they helped me through that program and it was pretty good, so now I’m in the HUD-VASH program. It’s actually just community apartments that accept the VASH voucher, and that’s the great thing about the program. It’s not one building or one facility or anything, anyone who will accept it you can just pretty much go to them and say “Here, I’ve got it,” and they coordinate through the HUD program and you don’t have to do anything but pay your rent, and then HUD pays the other portion and it works out, and as you graduate—I say graduate but as you have more income or things get better your rent does go up, but it does offer you the opportunity to transition from renting to home ownership.
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To manage upsetting feelings after a nightmare, focus on what's real by touching and describing objects around you. If you're unable to sleep within 15 minutes, leave your bed briefly to wash your hands or drink water while avoiding any strenuous activity. Also, talk to your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions. Learn more steps you can take on our Nightmares page.
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There are many options for Veterans who want to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol or using drugs. One option is counseling, either one-on-one or in a group. Another involves medication to help reduce use. A third option is mutual-help groups. You can work with your doctor or counselor and try different types of treatment to find the one that's best for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Alcohol or Drug Misuse page.
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If I’m experiencing a gambling problem, what can I do about it right away?
The first step in addressing your challenges is to acknowledge that gambling has become a problem in your life and recognize that it is possible to make a change. Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing to manage stress and urges to gamble. Spend time with supportive people who do not gamble, and talk with your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions that are right for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Gambling page.
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Reckless Behavior
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What can I do if I’ve noticed myself engaging in reckless behavior?
There are ways to prevent yourself from engaging in risky behavior. Plan to avoid situations that might lead to recklessness. For example, leave early or late to avoid rush-hour traffic, or arrange a ride home if you'll be drinking. Talking with your family members, close friends, or a health care provider may help you find support and resources to address your challenges. Learn more steps you can take on our Reckless Behavior page.
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