Gary’s Path To Homecoming
Gary Johnson, U.S. Army Veteran, came to Do Good through our Stark Street motel shelter. Just over a year later, he’s living in Veteran permanent housing with Do Good support services on site. Gary’s story showcases exactly why Do Good exists to serve Veterans.
“When I joined the army I joined for do good. That was going to be my home. But so be it, it didn’t happen.”
After serving in the military, Gary built a stable life as a machine operator and married the love of his life in 1990. However, his world collapsed when he came home to find her lifeless. Overcome with grief, Gary lived houseless and wandered the country for over 15 years.
“I Wasn’t the only Veteran out there. THe VA pretty much gave up on us…I’ve been beaten, got stuff stolen, tied to a tree, molested…But now I’m here, here at do good.”
In Fall 2022, he joined us at Stark Street Shelter, and then transitioned to the Roseway Motel Shelter and the Veteran-specific Grant Per Diem Program. There, surrounded by fellow Veterans, he received hot meals, a secure room, and guidance through the VA system.
After seven months of intensive case management, Gary moved into his own apartment in the Paul & Geneva Knauls Building, one of Do Good’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program, beginning a stable, dignified new chapter of life.
”I got a brand new home to live in. my own kitchen…nice hot shower…this is a very safe place to be.”
“I’m cooking good. I’m eating good. Life is great!”
Today, you can find Gary in the community room laughing it off with Program Manager Breonna, outside chatting with his neighbors, or strolling the streets of Alberta on his scoot scoot.
