Stories

Kareem Oneal has served in three VOA positions since joining the team two years ago. He started as a Support Staff member at the Nevada Cares Campus. After three weeks, he was promoted to Diversion and Intake Specialist at the Nevada Cares Campus. Now, Kareem is the supervisor for Reno Works, a workforce development program in partnership with the City of Reno that helps people experiencing homelessness secure employment and, ideally, obtain housing. Kareem has lived experience and shared, “I believe that I’m at VOA because of the past that I’ve had struggling with drugs and alcohol and my drug…

(Ty pictured left) The unfortunate truth about homelessness is that it can happen to anyone at any time. Ty had everything he could want – a loving family, a home, and a successful career. But in an instant, tragedy struck. At only 38 years old, he suffered a devastating stroke that ended his career. Soon after, his oldest daughter passed away in an accident. His whole world was turned upside down. Overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, and depression, Ty’s life spiraled out of control. His darkest thoughts took control of his life. He left his family, unable to cope with the…

Mandy never imagined she would end up homeless with two young children relying on her.  Have you ever had toxic relationships with your family members? Or experienced abuse from a parent? Mandy lived through many difficult experiences. In the end, she was kicked out of her family’s life and had to live on the streets.  She recalled cold nights while she lived in her car. Her two kids were taken care of by their father. Mandy wanted nothing more than a safe space where she could live with her kids and take care of them.  “I felt so scared and…

You can share your warmth with seniors like Connie. Connie’s childhood in rural Michigan was filled with hardship. Her parents had just endured the Depression and worked tirelessly to provide for the family. “Times were really tough, but my parents did whatever they could to get by,” Connie recalled. At 19, Connie married and soon had several children. “Unfortunately, the steel industry strikes made it difficult for my husband to find steady work. We decided our best option was to pack up and move out West where there were more jobs.” After they settled in their new home in Reno, Connie’s marriage…