Homeless to homeowner: HUD-VASH helps Veteran

Army Veteran Michael Magyar once faced homelessness. Today, he is a homeowner who says he wouldn’t be where he is without the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.

“VA, particularly the HUD-VASH program, gave me the stability, resources and hope I needed to reclaim my life. While the road has been far from easy, I now have the tools, support and mindset to live a life of stability and purpose. For that, I am forever thankful,” Magyar shared.

On a mission

Magyar initially joined the Army to help pay for college, serving from 1992 to 1996 as a chaplain’s bodyguard in Louisiana and Germany. He found the years in the military to be both rewarding and unforgettable. The discipline of the Army was a natural fit for the mission-oriented Magyar.

“The Army changed the way I live. I never really got out of the Army,” he said, reminiscing that the valuable skills he learned there would later play a large part in helping him overcome homelessness.

Finding a lifeline

Magyar struggled in the years after being discharged. By 2011, he found himself without a home. But in connecting with VA’s homeless programs, he turned the tide.

He first stayed in transitional housing, but later found an apartment through what he calls his lifeline, the HUD-VASH program. HUD-VASH pairs HUD’s Housing Choice Vouchers with wraparound services from VA to give Veterans the support they need to remain stably housed.

Case manager Autumn Hail also came into his life at this critical juncture. While Magyar admits they didn’t always see eye to eye, he called on his Army training to help him commit to following her advice and suggestions.

Hail calls Magyar one of the most resilient people she’s ever met.

“I’ve gotten to see you just create this beautiful life for yourself,” said Hail to Magyar. “I think that’s a real testament to the work you did, taking those supports and using that to help you get to the place you wanted to be.”

Becoming a homeowner

Magyar stayed in his apartment until earlier this year when he received service-connected disability approval and was able to use that income along with some returns on investments to help buy a home.

Magyar hopes to be able to purchase more real estate with a goal to buy a home for his pastor as well as a rental property.

In addition to HUD-VASH, he credits his faith with helping him turn his life around, saying that he sees God working through all the people who have helped him along his way.

Learn about VA programs 

• If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk of homelessness or need to connect with a Veterans justice outreach specialist, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
• Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.
• Check out the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast to learn more about what VA is doing about Veteran homelessness. 
• Learn how to get involved with housing homeless Veterans.
• Subscribe to the Homeless Programs Office newsletter to receive monthly updates about programs and supportive services for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.