Homeless outreach team helps a Veteran and his family

The homeless outreach team was there when Eoighin McGilligan needed it.

After leaving the Navy, McGilligan’s transition didn’t turn out as he had planned. Problems started piling up, his world started to cave in on him and he had difficulties finding housing for himself and his family of five children.

“I figured I’d call VA for help,” he shared. 

A VA social worker from the Homeless Outreach Team helped McGilligan secure housing through the Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. 

However, five months after moving into his new residence, he nearly lost everything after turning back to drugs, falling behind on bills and feeling hopeless again.

“It’s the VA social workers who helped me stay in the HUD-VASH program to keep my residence, to include providing me and my family with food stamps, finding child care and helping me get caught up on my bills,” he said.

McGilligan was admitted to the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) program, which is one of the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs at Coatesville VA.   

“The social workers went beyond what they needed to do for me and my family. We couldn’t even afford Christmas, and the only reason our kids had a Christmas for the past two years is because of the generosity of VA and social workers,” he added.

Social workers cared enough to stay in touch

Having been at rock bottom, McGilligan’s life has changed for the better. He found passion and joy again thanks to his social workers Nichole Chalfont and Stephen Raquet. They cared enough to stay in touch with him throughout his difficult times to get him the care he needed. 

“Rebuilding a Veteran’s life takes time, and some Veterans experience setbacks. That’s why the homeless outreach team is here to support the Veteran and their family at every stage of their journey. Seeing Eoighin and his family thrive brings us joy,” said Chalfant, a licensed clinical social worker.

McGilligan said that Veterans who find themselves in similar despair should, “Call VA right away. There is hope. Lay it all out and you will get the help you need.”

If you are or know of a military Veteran who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838.