Army veteran, Michael, has had quite a life. After serving in the military for eight years, he got his college degree and worked in the healthcare field for over 25 years. Eventually, he began struggling with substance abuse and lost everything, including his home. After years of struggling with addiction and homelessness, Michael has finally found a permanent, safe home at Silver Star Apartments located in Battle Creek, Michigan. Silver Star provides permanent supportive housing for those who have served in the military. Regarding Silver Star, Michael says, “It gave me, number one, a place of my own. My own space. My own things. That sense of independence we all want.” Michael is currently attending school full time and studying human services in an effort to "pay forward" the help he has received. “How I look at the job I want – is as a resource person. Someone who leads people to the organization they need – to make connections. For me, when I lost everything and needed something, I didn’t know where to go. ‘Please help me’ – those are hard words to say.”
 

With over 131,000 homeless veterans in the United States (approximately 33% of the homeless population) Michael is not alone. Developments like Silver Star offer safe, quality housing and a fresh start for a most deserving population – our veterans. As Michael says, “It’s a great beginning.”