Veteran Support
HVRP serves the District of Columbia, Maryland (except the Eastern Shore), and Northern Virginia, specifically working with veterans to help with aspects like career counseling and job placement. In William’s case, she was able to locate affordable housing and buy necessities like clothes. While using HVRP for approximately six months, Williams also found comfort and advice in talking with other veterans. As a former active duty service member for six years, serving as a 71 Lima, Williams appreciated speaking with others who were deeply familiar with military lifestyle and the culture of being a former servicemember.
“It was helpful to talk to people who actually [served] as well, and were females,” she said. “I had that connection, and I think that familiarity with what you’re feeling and what you’re going through as a disabled female veteran was helpful for me.”
Beyond the sense of camaraderie with fellow veterans, Williams notes the employees within Easterseals’ HVRP were consistently pushing her to be the best version of herself. When she was nearing the completion of her Juris Doctor degree, Williams explains that an Easterseals employee, Kathy, would regularly celebrate her successes and encourage her to continue pursuing her studies. “That was another thing that [Kathy] supported me with, saying ‘Keep going, keep pushing’ because it was difficult.”
Being a veteran is about more than serving one’s country. It instills a sense of community among others, regardless of military branch. When one struggles, others do their best to support and provide wisdom. Yet, camaraderie can only do so much to keep veterans safe and secure. According to statistics from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, over 32,000 veterans experienced homelessness in 2024. Of the 32,000, 43% were unable to find shelter. While these statistics were the lowest since documenting in 2009, over 32,000 veterans were still unhoused, requiring assistance from organizations and loved ones alike. As a former veteran who faced these troubles, Williams is more than happy to showcase Easterseals and the services HVRP can provide for other veterans in similar situations.
“Understanding that Easterseals can support and does support veterans is something I did not know,” she said. “I had no idea the extent they go to [to help]. Taking me to shop, to get clothes, to go to work, and [even providing] gas cards [was helpful]. People just want to be heard, and I would say definitely go to Easterseals. If you want to be heard, if you want to be seen, if you want to feel supported and valued, I would say go to Easterseals.”