The founding chief of Massachusetts, John Winthrop, proclaimed that Boston could be “a city on a hill,” a shining instance of freedom, alternative and the promise of America. From its place within the American Revolution to its changing into a beacon of educational and athletic success, Boston has earned its repute as a metropolis prepared to fulfill any problem.
Air Force Veteran Johnny Dixon’s contributions to his nation and town have additionally been spectacular.
Responsible for the security of passengers
Dixon’s decades-long profession in public service started in 1974 when he enlisted within the Air Force. As a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants specialist, Dixon was tasked with an necessary function: guaranteeing gas for aircrafts met strict security measures.
Upon separating from the navy, Dixon visited his native VA to inquire about academic advantages. Along with connecting him to a junior faculty close by, VA helped Dixon discover significant employment with federal and state authorities companies.
Eventually, his abilities in transportation and navigation led him to a job as prepare operator for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Dixon was accountable for safely transporting passengers alongside the longest transit path in Boston with his route spanning each nook of town. He additionally served as a caretaker for his mom, father and brother, all of whom skilled vital well being challenges. His love for his household overshadowed his heavy workload and drove his dedication to offering every member of his household with the very best care attainable.
Fellow Veteran instructed him about HUD-VASH
Dixon’s devotion to his household’s consolation and well being guided his journey for years. But as he ultimately misplaced his family members to their respective sicknesses, he felt his life’s path veering off course.
Instead of the MBTA prepare, Dixon quickly discovered himself driving a small automotive, one which additionally served as his residence. After spending a 12 months dwelling in his automobile, he discovered help by means of Safe Haven, a transitional housing and help middle operated by the New England Center and Home for Veterans.
During his time at Safe Haven, Dixon met a fellow Veteran who had skilled related challenges. He instructed Dixon about HUD-VASH, the collaborative program between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and VA, devoted to putting Veterans experiencing homelessness in everlasting housing.
It was simply the impetus Dixon wanted to get again on monitor.
Uses Rideshare Program to medical appointments
The HUD-VASH program on the VA Boston Health Care System rapidly helped Dixon discover an house in Boston, one he nonetheless calls residence. The program has been crucial in serving to him handle his well being care as nicely. Recently, he wanted surgical procedure to restore his imaginative and prescient that left him unable to drive.
Dixon was one of many first contributors within the VA Homeless Program workplace to make use of the expanded nationwide rideshare program, launched by Charles Franklin of Boston VA.
The rides Dixon receives to and from his native VA Medical Center have been important to his entry to care and had been made attainable by means of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, MD, Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.
Section 4201 authorizes VA to make use of appropriated funds for homeless Veterans and people enrolled within the HUD-VASH program through the COVID-19 public well being emergency.
It additionally enabled Boston VA to supply distinctive help by means of medical companions – people that accompany Veterans to medical appointments. Dixon describes his medical companion as a supply of nice assist and luxury whereas navigating the logistical elements of his care.
“We all need help sometimes.”
Also precious to Dixon is the emotional help such companions prolong.
Thanks to the transportation and medical care he acquired, Dixon’s eyesight has recovered and he has seen nice progress in practically each side of his life. True to his nature, he has wasted no time alongside the best way serving to different Veterans.
“Life has changed for the better,” he mentioned, urging all Veterans, particularly those that could also be experiencing homelessness, to contact VA. “We all need help sometimes. See what they have to offer.”
Learn about VA applications
- Read extra about how the 4201 authority helps VA present versatile assistance to homeless Veterans.
- Read extra in regards to the HUD-VASH program to find out in case you are eligible to obtain rental assistance.
- Veterans who’re homeless or in danger for homelessness ought to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
- Visit the VA Homeless Programs web site to find out about housing initiatives and different applications for Veterans exiting homelessness.
- For extra tales like these, go to the HPO web site and subscribe to the Homeless Programs Office publication to obtain month-to-month updates about applications and supportive companies for Veterans experiencing or susceptible to homelessness.