When Navy Veteran Philip Lord walks through his neighborhood or clocks in at his job at Goodwill, he carries with him a quiet strength forged through decades of adversity. Once on the brink of homelessness after serving nearly 40 years in prison, Lord now dedicates his life to helping others, particularly those who are often overlooked. His journey, supported by Veterans Affairs (VA) programs, demonstrates the transformative power of community support, resilience, and purposeful service. For those interested in veteran housing programs or stories of formerly homeless veterans, Lord’s experience is both sobering and inspiring.

Lord’s story begins with a deep sense of duty. The son of an Air Force Veteran, he joined the Navy in 1975, motivated by a desire to serve and build a stable future. Like many service members, he envisioned using his military benefits to buy a home, pursue education, and access healthcare. But life took an unexpected and tragic turn. In 1985, during a drunken altercation, a woman was killed. Lord accepted responsibility for his actions and was sentenced to prison.

“I was guilty, so there was no reason to fight it,” Lord said in a recent VA News article. “I did my time like I was supposed to. Getting out was the hard part.”

Released in 2022, Lord found himself reentering a world transformed by technology and social expectations. Smartphones, slim laptops, and digital communication had become the norm. He also discovered that halfway houses no longer offered the support he needed. Many charged more than he could afford, lacked food provisions, and enforced strict daytime curfews that made finding employment almost impossible.

It was the VA that offered Lord a lifeline. While incarcerated, he had attended monthly Veteran meetings where he learned about VA homeless programs. That knowledge proved critical. Upon his release, he was able to transition directly into temporary housing at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. Soon after, he secured employment there—first as a housekeeper, then as a residential assistant—positions that helped him regain stability and purpose.

In March 2024, Lord moved into a permanent home through the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, a collaborative effort between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the VA. This program offers rental assistance and case management to veterans experiencing homelessness. For Lord, it was a turning point. “If it wasn’t for VA, I’d probably still be in jail,” he reflected.

Despite suffering a recent stroke, Lord continues to give back. He now works at Goodwill, where he finds deep fulfillment supporting colleagues with disabilities. Having grown up with a brother who had Down Syndrome, Lord understands the importance of treating everyone with dignity. “They just want to be treated like a regular person,” he shared. Whether running errands for neighbors or lending a hand at work, Lord insists that no task is too small when it comes to helping others.

His continued success is bolstered by a network of VA support services. He receives care from VA doctors, guidance from a caseworker, and counseling for substance use. These resources not only help him maintain his housing and employment but also support his overall well-being. Lord encourages other Veterans facing housing insecurity to reach out. “There are always representatives who can help you. There’s always someone,” he said.

I found this detail striking: after nearly four decades behind bars, Lord didn’t retreat into isolation or bitterness. Instead, he emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, channeling his energy into serving others. His story underscores how comprehensive support systems—particularly those tailored for Veterans—can empower individuals to rebuild their lives.

Lord’s journey also highlights the importance of programs like HUD-VASH and VA homeless services, which bridge the gap between incarceration or homelessness and stable living. For Veterans at risk of homelessness, these initiatives provide more than just housing—they offer a path forward. The VA’s commitment to ending Veteran homelessness is evident not only in policy but in personal stories like Lord’s.

For those looking to support or learn more about these efforts, the VA offers several ways to get involved. Veterans in need can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). The VA Homeless Programs website provides information on housing initiatives, and the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast offers insights into ongoing efforts. Subscribing to the Homeless Programs Office newsletter is another way to stay informed about resources and success stories.

Philip Lord’s life is a testament to the power of redemption, support, and service. From a prison cell to a place of purpose, his transformation is not just personal—it’s emblematic of what’s possible when people are given the tools and trust to rebuild. His story serves as a reminder that with the right support, even the most difficult chapters can lead to a life of meaning and contribution.

Read more at news.va.gov