“A world of compassion”
Jeff is one of the toughest people I’ve met. He spent years taking care of himself—first as a kid on the streets of Buffalo, New York, then in the Army repairing tanks, and later as a plumber. He was used to standing on his own. But when his health began to decline and hospital bills piled up, things started to fall apart. Multiple strokes and heart attacks forced Jeff to quit plumbing, and without a steady income, it became harder to keep up with basic needs and maintain his own housing.
The first time Jeff became homeless, he was recovering from a stroke in the hospital. While still healing, he was kicked out of his home by someone he considered a friend—a person who had once promised Jeff a permanent place to stay. While living at the Veterans Restoration Quarters, that same friend reached out, saying he had lost his job and needed help caring for his home and daughter. Grateful to leave the shelter and willing to give him a second chance, Jeff accepted the offer. But once again, he was kicked out—this time during Hurricane Helene.
The instability took a toll on Jeff’s emotional and physical health. After the Veterans Restoration Quarters (VRQ) was damaged during the storm, Jeff had no choice but to live in his car. The stress of being 70 years old, in declining health, and facing housing insecurity was overwhelming.
Fortunately, Jeff contacted Buncombe County Veteran Services and was connected with Homeward Bound’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program and his Case Manager, Cora. Jeff says Cora was “the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Still, accepting help wasn’t easy. Jeff grew up in a low-income neighborhood, where he learned early that survival meant relying on yourself.
“I’m the type of person who helps people. I don’t ask for help,” Jeff says. “I’m from the streets where you don’t ask for anything. You take what you want and fight to keep what you have. It’s pretty simple.”
Though he knew he needed support, it was hard to accept it. The turning point came through his Case Manager’s patience, consistency, and genuine care.
“She would not give up,” Jeff says. “She would tell me, ‘You deserve this help.’”
Once Homeward Bound moved Jeff into his apartment, things began to change.
“It’s tough not to have a place to lay your head—somewhere safe and secure,” says Cora, who’s seen other Veterans, Jeff included, become more relaxed and at ease once they moved into their own homes.
Today, Jeff lives a peaceful life. He enjoys caring for his home, listening to Black Sabbath, tending to his plants, cooking whatever he wants, and being with his friends.
“I get to shower every day, I get to clean up, I get to make my bed—and yes, that’s important to me, that I make my bed every day.”
Jeff has since been successfully exited from the program. He credits his stability to Cora’s support and kindness.
“She could train people; she just can’t teach the compassion she has—because she has a world of compassion.”
Jeff’s story reminds us that needing help doesn’t make you weak—and when support is given with patience and respect, it can change everything.
