After his service in the U.S. Army, Michael faced significant challenges, but with the support of Nation’s Finest, he discovered a path to healing and stability.
Michael was successfully employed as the executive director of the California Black Agriculture Working Group when his life took a sharp turn. While riding his bike, he was struck by a vehicle and severely injured. The accident, alongside the onset of the pandemic, left him unable to work and led to homelessness.
“That’s when I heard about Nation’s Finest, which helped change my life,” says Michael. Nation’s Finest is a nonprofit organization operating since 1972 with 30+ locations to provide support for Veterans experiencing homelessness, housing instability and crisis. The organization serves over 7,500 Veterans annually.
“Nation’s Finest provided me with three years of transitional housing and wraparound services that enabled me to heal and get back on my feet,” he shares. At the Nation’s Finest Transitional Housing program in Sacramento, Michael had a safe and supportive place to live alongside fellow Veterans. The program provides nutritious food, mental health counseling and frequent case management to help Veterans achieve their goals. With this support, Michael began rebuilding his life.
Through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant, Nation’s Finest helps fund essential costs for Veterans moving into permanent housing. Michael benefited from this grant, explaining that, “Moving into any housing requires money and the grant covered my first and last month’s rent, some new furniture, and helped with moving into my apartment. It made the move from transitional to permanent housing much easier.”
Today, Michael is permanently housed and is partnered with the California Bountiful Foundation as part of his role with the California Black Agriculture Working Group. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “In the military, we’re trained to endure, but all Veterans should know about Nation’s Finest and to ask for help when in need. These services can help save lives.”
To help support Veterans like Michael, please consider donating to Nation’s Finest. Together, we can help those who served our country rebuild their lives.
