I hope everyone had a fun and safe new year.  Our first episode of 2017 is with James “Jim” Davis. Jim is an Air Force Veteran and currently does Veteran Outreach for Pathways to Housing DC.

Jim has lived an interesting life. For more than a decade, Jim led a nomadic life of homelessness. He wandered around the country, taking odd jobs in the wilderness to barely get by. When he wasn’t set somewhere through work, he wandered off to other states looking for adventure. When he finally emerged from the woods and began his journey back into civilization, he used VA to overcome some adversities in his life. Now, he uses these experiences to reach out to Veterans at Pathways to Housing DC. The mission of Pathways to Housing DC is to transform individual lives by ending homelessness and supporting recovery for people with disabilities. They do good work, and Jim is committed to serving his fellow Veterans by connecting with them through mutual experiences.

James Davis with camera

Jim Davis used photography as a distraction to aid him during recovery

Covered in Episode Twelve:

  • Cities ending homelessness
  • Interview with Air Force Veteran James Davis
    • Jim’s decision to join the military.
    • His first years out of the Air Force
    • Leaving his marriage
    • Becoming homeless
    • Recovering from homelessness
    • His work at Pathways to Housing
  • Using VA’s homeless resources to get assistance
  • #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Christopher Ford

The full transcript for episode 12 can be found here.

The #VApodcast is now available in iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Spotify. Search “Borne the Battle” in your podcast app of choice to subscribe.

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4 Comments

  1. Larry Geringer January 7, 2017 at 10:36

    The VA is the worst example of total chaos and waste! The number of homeless veterans continues to climb and veteran suicides are unacceptable ..
    Money spent on “Art Shows???”
    Wasted money on guide books and slick brochures is useless and does not help any veteran !! We have medical centers with NO EMERGENCY CARE!!! No emergency overnight shelters for veterans..
    The VA is broken…!!

  2. Aila January 6, 2017 at 21:22

    In order to get VA housing, do you have to have a disability? I just got out to go to school( counting on my post 911 benefit), the VA denied the claim on a technicality and now I’m trying to figure what now.

    • James A. Davis Jr. January 9, 2017 at 09:06

      No, you do not have to have a disability. Most HUD-VASH vouchers are going to house the chronically homeless. I would check with your local VA to inquire about eligibility.

  3. Laurie Kish January 6, 2017 at 11:48

    Thank you for sharing your story. Life throws all of us curve-balls. Some at very high velocity. Often sharing is how others can empathize and reach out, or ask for help from others. I don’t have to be a soldier or a Veteran to gain from your life-story.
    Thank you again,
    Laurie Kish, BSN RN CRRN

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