Rolland’s Story: A Homeless Veteran Finds His Way Home

When local veteran Rolland suddenly lost his housing this year, he had no choice but to stay in his truck. He put in application after application, but he struggled to find any available rentals.

“It was a mess trying to find a place, trying to get ahold of a place,” he said. “It wears you out. Like, ‘What did I do wrong?’”

Rolland, a 70-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in the Vietnam War, kept moving his truck around town, trying to find safe places to sleep each night. He was homeless for several months.

“I didn’t know where I was going to end up that night,” he said. “I took it a day at a time.”

Then, Rolland found out about Project Roomkey.

Project Roomkey is a collaborative effort by the state, Butte County and local service providers to secure motel rooms for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. It provides a way for people who don’t have a home to stay inside to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

It is because of Project Roomkey that True North Housing Alliance was able to wrap Rolland in services and help him make his way home just in time for Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.

True North has collectively housed over 120 people this year through its myriad of housing programs.

Through Project Roomkey, Rolland was placed into a motel room immediately. That’s how he met his True North Case Manager Patty.

Patty found Rolland to be a “joyful person” with a kind heart who likes to help others, she said. She worked hard to secure the resources needed to help him find his way home.

On Oct. 30, Rolland moved into his new apartment.

This week, Rolland had an important knee surgery. Leading up to the operation, he told True North that he was grateful to have a home to return to—a safe place to recover.

“It’s just nice and cozy,” he said. “It means a lot to me. True North was able to find me a place and get me right in.”

Rolland will continue to benefit from True North's comprehensive case management program as he gets settled in his new place.

He told True North that he is looking forward to taking it easy and enjoying his retirement after he recovers from his surgery.

“We thank Rolland for his service and wish him luck in the next chapter of his journey,” Patty said.

Recognizing our veterans

Nearly 10 percent of the population that True North serves are military veterans.

Nationally, about 11 percent of the adult homeless population are veterans, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Nearly half served during the Vietnam era, like Rolland. About 51 percent have disabilities and 50 percent experience serious mental illness.

It is estimated that 1.4 million veterans are considered at risk of homelessness due to various factors, including an extreme shortage of affordable housing, poverty, lack of support networks and poor living conditions, such as overcrowded or substandard housing, according to the Coalition.

“A top priority for homeless veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol,” the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans states.

Our team at True North works hard to provide secure, safe housing for all individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. We thank and recognize Rolland and our other veteran guests, as well all veterans that have served our country, for their service and the sacrifices they have made.