Housing and support helped Veteran rebuild his life after addiction

By Dr. Roshonda Tolbert, HUD-VASH Senior Social Worker, VA New Orleans Healthcare System. Edited by Tasha Sanders, HUD-VASH Social Worker, VA Oklahoma City Healthcare System, HUD-VASH Social Worker, VA Oklahoma City Healthcare System

August 3, 2026

Gregory Searls never could’ve imagined that one of the hardest chapters of his life would come after his service, not during it. That chapter in his life was marked by housing instability and addiction; he never saw it coming.

He proudly served in the Navy from 1968 to 1970 as an equipment operator at Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Station Pensacola, and Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme. Largely inspired by his father’s military service, he describes his service as a learning process that helped him shape his values and character. “It taught me how to be a man,” he shared.

The transition to civilian life, however, proved difficult. Like many Veterans of that era, he faced criticism instead of recognition for his service. Without adequate support systems, he struggled with housing, employment and personal hardships that eventually contributed to substance use and addiction.

For years, Searls navigated these challenges alone until another Veteran encouraged him to seek assistance through VA.

“The process to get connected was simple,” Searls recalled. “Just come in and say ‘I need help.’”

With support from his son and VA staff, he entered treatment for substance use and began rebuilding his life.