Houston has one of the largest populations of veterans in the United States. When many of them come home from battle, they face and unintended enemy, including PTSD, physical disability, mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness.
Valerie James and Chasity Wohlford both lived on the streets, but found a way home. Today, they are helping others fight their way back.
James served in the U.S. Army for ten years and now serves as a veteran peer service coordinator at Mental Health America. She helps veterans get the behavioral services they need, provides education and training for key sectors in the community and tries to help veterans before they become homeless.
For more information on Mental Health America, log on to MHAHouston.org. (https://mhahouston.org/)
Wohlford serves as a recovery coach at Santa Maria Hostel. She helps connect people in recovery with the resources they need in the community. She also hosts recovery groups for all aspects of life.
For more information on Santa Maria Hostel, log on to SantaMariaHostel.org