Battle Buddies: How U.S. VETS Supports the Transition Home

Many veterans face complex physical, psychological, and social challenges when they return home after military service, including chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, unemployment, and homelessness. These factors contribute to about half of post-9/11 veterans reporting difficulty readjusting to civilian life—significantly more than veterans from earlier eras.

Fortunately, one national organization is working to ensure that every veteran enjoys dignity, purpose, and a place to call home: U.S. VETS.

As the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of housing, mental health care, career programs, and wraparound services, U.S. VETS helps more than 20,000 homeless and at-risk veterans and their families every year. The group operates residential and service sites nationwide with the mission of preventing and ending veteran homelessness.

Navigating the "New Normal"

“Veterans must learn to navigate an entirely different lifestyle once they transition out of the service,” points out Dr. Paige Johnson, a former U.S. Army Corporal and now a U.S. VETS Ambassador. “They may need to seek help for medical or mental health challenges that stem from their time in the military. Additionally, they have to identify and apply their transferable military skills within the civilian job market, which can be both challenging and rewarding.”

Johnson herself hit significant roadblocks in her post-military career. After being unexpectedly laid off from a stable position as a biology instructor, she struggled to find work.

“I kept hearing that Houston had far more opportunities in my field, so I made a difficult but hopeful decision: I packed up my five children, and we headed to Texas on nothing more than faith, determination, and a wing and a prayer,” she relates.

Despite her savings and determination, Johnson did not find a job immediately.

“My children and I ended up living in an extended-stay hotel for nearly five months... I had packed my kids up. I thought it would be OK, and then I was struggling. I said, ‘Let me just get something to take care of my family.’ But no one was hiring.”

A Turning Point

With just two weeks of savings left, Johnson reached out to the VA, which directed her to U.S. VETS. There, she met workforce development coordinator Sharhonda Williams.

“Sharhonda connected me with a housing specialist who found safe, stable accommodations for my children and me,” Johnson says. “U.S. VETS helped with the rental deposit, utilities, and even furniture—support that gave us the foundation we urgently needed.”

While working a part-time job at UPS secured by Williams, Johnson received a life-changing call: an interview for an instructor position at Texas Southern University. She got the job.

“The first person I called was Sharhonda,” Johnson recalls. “When I told her the news, she celebrated with me and said, ‘Well, you’re going to need some new clothes!’ She made sure everything was going smoothly.”

Rebuilding Routine and Purpose

Johnson was recently promoted to teach graduate students in pharmacy and health sciences. Reflecting on her journey, she notes that the loss of military structure was one of the hardest adjustments.

“In the military, I had structure, a regimented schedule, clear expectations, and comrades who understood exactly what I was going through. Once I left that environment, the absence of those familiar routines and the loss of that support system hit harder than I anticipated... Part of my transition involved learning how to become a new version of myself: the civilian Paige.”

She credits U.S. VETS with helping her shape that new life.

“My family, community and support system have all transformed because U.S. VETS has become a part of our lives. They are not a ‘one and done’ organization... Because of their support, my family is secure, stable, and thriving.”

A Message to Fellow Veterans

Now serving as a U.S. VETS Ambassador, Johnson wants others to know that help is available.

“The message I would share with another veteran is: Do not suffer in silence. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness... U.S. VETS is that battle buddy who is ready to reach out a hand when you need it most. Whether you are struggling with mental health challenges, facing homelessness, or simply in need of a hot meal, U.S. VETS is there to support you. All you have to do is ask.”

New Initiative: Veteran Connection Hubs

U.S. VETS is deepening its commitment to veterans by expanding its mission beyond crisis response to proactive prevention. In January 2026, the organization announced the national rollout of Veteran Connection Hubs.

These one-stop, community-based resource centers are designed to engage at-risk veterans to prevent homelessness, mental health crises, and chronic unemployment before they start. The hubs consolidate essential services—housing, employment, mental health, and peer support—under one roof.

“Early intervention identifies veterans at risk—those facing eviction, financial hardship or mental health challenges—and connects them with support before they lose housing,” explains Cindy Monticue, U.S. VETS National Director of Communications & Marketing. “Preventing homelessness is significantly less expensive than emergency shelters, hospital stays or incarceration... The Veterans Connection Hub represents a transformative service delivery model.”