Hear the Story of A Recent Graduate and United States Veteran

Last week, we had the chance to sit down with Bill—a proud veteran and a recent graduate of our Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program.  Bill’s journey hasn’t been easy.  He served our country, then came home to face challenges he never expected.

Years passed before Bill found his way to Grandma’s House of Hope.  And when he did, things started to change.

This is Bill’s story, in his own words.  It’s honest, raw, and full of hope—just like him.

Q:  What has Grandma’s House of Hope (GHH) done for you—both day to day and in the bigger picture?A:  Grandma’s House of Hope gave me stability and support when I needed it most.  Every day, they were there to help with the basics like my housing journey and  my case management—but more than that, they offered encouragement, kindness, and faith.

I started going to church and learning to trust in God again.  I realized I didn’t have all the answers, and I asked Him to guide me and stop me if I was going down the wrong path.  Now, I’m learning to live and grow, to be a positive and special person.  Even if I can’t do a lot, I can do small things—and if I can do that, I can be happy.

Q:  What do you like most about living at Grandma’s House of Hope?A:  It felt like home.  I felt safe, relaxed, and respected. I made friends, and it was a good place to help point me in the right direction. You couldn’t ask for better friends. And the program worked for me. Look at me now! 

The whole experience was very, very good.  I spent two weeks in one house, and then 10 months another.  I loved the house and the neighborhood.  Everyone who works at Grandma’s House of Hope really cares about what they do. It touched me deeply.

Q:  What sets Grandma’s House of Hope apart from other programs?A:  Grandma’s House of Hope doesn’t treat you like an object- they treat you like a person.  A lot of programs don’t care about individuals, but this place is different.  The people here are sincere.  They bring donuts in the morning out of their own pocket just to brighten your day. Staff does care about us. 

Q: What will you remember most about Grandma’s House of Hope after you graduate?A: That it was a blessing.  There was no suffering or struggling—there was always help and positivity.

Q: Do you feel like Grandma’s House of Hope helped your dreams come true?A: I’m so blessed. God led other people to help me, and He used them—He used Grandma’s House of Hope.

Q: How did you find Grandma’s House of Hope?A: Funny story actually. Because of Grandma’s House of Hope I get to live in this beautiful place now, but I actually grew up a few miles from here.  My dad’s house was nearby and we used to eat at the Hometown Buffet across the street.  I always noticed the apartments next to it and thought it would be nice to live here one day. 

When I was looking for help, I went on the computer and Grandma’s House of Hope popped up.  I prayed to God to guide me, and this is where He led me.  So far, it seems pretty good to me.  I have housing now. 

Q: What do you want others to know about Grandma’s House of Hope—especially those who need help or want to support it?A: If you need help, it’s a great opportunity.  It’s a safe and supportive place to get your life moving in the right direction.  You won’t regret it.  You can leave anytime, but I never wanted to.  Everything was going so well, and it all turned out great.

Thank you for everything. 

We’re building something great for our participants.  Not just programs, but belonging and a future.

And you're invited to be part of it, to journey with us.