Veteran’s Journey from Homelessness to Housing Specialist
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A Marine Corps Veteran in Albany is committed to helping vets find housing after his life took an unexpected turn—leaving the service left him homeless in a parking lot.
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Home for Matthew Jones is a pristine yard and a new truck in the driveway. The former Marine fought hard to get here, and the past isn’t a place he visits often.
"No one knows my story, no one," Jones said. "I don’t tell anyone nothing. So this is probably going to be a big shock to a lot of people."
From Deployment to Homelessness
Thirteen years ago, Jones had just ended his time with the Marine Corps. He was sleeping inside his old truck in a parking lot at SUNY Schenectady County Community College while attempting to get a degree.
"I stayed away from the general public so that way they wouldn’t bother me," Jones said. "I was over there by that shed."
He survived off eating ramen noodles, and a staff member at the college connected him with the YMCA to get a shower before attending classes.
The Struggle to Adjust
Then, at 22 years old, Jones ran out of his GI Bill money to take community college classes.
"It’s like what happened to the quote on quote glory days, ya know? Running and gunning."
Jones enlisted at 17 years old, which was made possible only by a signature from his parents. His last deployment was in Afghanistan. Jones was a saw gunner, operating an M249 machine gun to protect his squad.
"Coming back with all these issues that I didn’t know that I had. The stigma is you’re hard; you think you can take it, but you really can’t," Jones said. "And it takes a while for veterans to really understand what they went through. I’m still reflecting on it to this day."
Veteran Homelessness on the Rise
Veteran homelessness has seen a 52% decrease since 2010, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, the latest Homeless Assessment Report from 2023 revealed a concerning trend: an increase in veteran homelessness by 7% percent from 2022 to 2023.
The Capital Region is no exception to homeless veterans on the streets.
"Unfortunately, our veterans are living in bus stations, under the bridges. There are encampments in the woods, parking lots, you name it, and they’re there," Sierra Bailey, Licensed Social Worker at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, said.
A Path to Recovery
Bailey works in the Homeless Veterans Program. She connects vets with therapy, job training, and coordinates help with substance abuse through the hospital when needed.
"When we first meet with them, it breaks my heart because they are hunched over; they don’t want to look you in the eye. They might lie a little just because they are embarrassed," Bailey said.
A Second Chance
On November 3, Dominguez organized a community Stand Down event at the Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge to help other vets adapt. Barbers offered haircuts, doctors and nurses gave health assessments, and local businesses provided networking opportunities.
"The biggest part of it all is having all the veterans there together. No one looks after a veteran like a veteran," Dominguez said.
Conclusion
Jones’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of support systems. His journey from homelessness to housing specialist is a beacon of hope for countless veterans struggling to find their way.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of veteran homelessness in the Capital Region?
A: The Capital Region is no exception to homeless veterans on the streets. Unfortunately, our veterans are living in bus stations, under the bridges. There are encampments in the woods, parking lots, you name it, and they’re there.
Q: What is being done to address veteran homelessness?
A: The Albany Stratton VA Medical Center has a Homeless Veterans Program that connects vets with therapy, job training, and coordinates help with substance abuse through the hospital when needed.
Q: How can I get help if I’m a veteran struggling with homelessness?
A: The Albany Stratton VA Medical Center is available to connect veterans in need with services for healthcare or other programs at 800-877-6976.
