From the streets to a home of his own: One Veteran’s road to recovery

By Shawn Liu, National Homeless Program Manager, VHA Homeless Programs Office

August 19, 2026

After completing the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program, an initiative that helped him find discipline and regain his footing after struggling to stay on track in high school, Nathaniel Toups turned to his mother one day and mentioned that he was thinking about enlisting in the Air Force. She wasn’t fully convinced that he would be accepted, but Toups figured there was only one way to find out, so together, they walked into a recruiting center.

He was accepted, a moment he said he’ll never forget.

Unfortunately, Toups’ time serving in the Air Force was cut short after about a year, following a traumatic event that led to his discharge. Without adequate support to cope with the aftermath, he turned to drugs and alcohol to help him cope.