For Vanessa Bean, travel brought a sense of freedom and independence. As a 63-year-old Coast Guard veteran, she used this nomadic lifestyle to seek healing from the trauma she had experienced.
Finding Home After Years on the Road
Vanessa traveled extensively—from Redding, Calif. to Sedona, Ariz. But when she arrived in Cottonwood, she realized that this was a community she wanted to be a permanent part of.
However, Vanessa was new to the area and living on a limited income. Despite her desire to make Cottonwood her home, the search for affordable housing proved incredibly difficult without connections or resources.
Some nights, she would stay at a homeless shelter in town. Most of the time, though, she preferred to camp. Vanessa had grown used to relying on herself and facing life’s challenges alone.
Losing Everything Leads to a Fresh Start
One night, she was camping near a river when a heavy storm set in. The river flooded, sweeping away what little belongings Vanessa had. All the supplies that she had relied on for her survival had been washed away in an instant.
Vanessa had no choice but to take a leap of faith and find help. In June 2025, she connected with Catholic Charities’ Veterans Services team, which helps veterans and veteran families who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness find stable housing and receive case management and resources.
Advocating for Veterans with Compassion and Care
She received compassionate and caring support from Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), a VA-funded program that enables agencies like Catholic Charities to help veterans remain housed and stable. SSVF can provide important access to housing and financial assistance, benefits and more.
Now, Vanessa was no longer alone in her fight for stability. Her case manager advocated for her every step of the way. With this support, she was approved to move into Oak Wash Homes, a new affordable housing complex for those experiencing homelessness.
When she was ready to move in, her case manager provided resources to make the transition to permanent housing easier. Vanessa received assistance with her security deposit and household items to help her feel comfortable in her new home.
The Power of Courage and Vulnerability
Today, Vanessa is grateful to have a safe and stable home in a community that she loves. Reaching out for help was not easy, but her courage to be vulnerable and trust others changed everything. Because she took that brave step, she is not only housed but thriving.
Want to help veterans like Vanessa access the support they need to overcome homelessness? By donating through our Amazon Charity List, you provide essential, life-sustaining supplies that ease financial strain and help veterans move toward stability.
