Fred Robinson, host of Operation Outreach, interviewed Jelissa, a U.S. Army veteran, about how local homeless services helped her and her daughter regain stable housing.

Jelissa said her apartment roof caved in during a rainstorm in 2021, leaving her and her daughter displaced. "Back in 2021, my apartment roof caved in 1 night when it rained, and my daughter and I were displaced," she said. She told Robinson she contacted the VA and was referred to homeless services, and "within 24 hours, I was linked with a case manager who assisted me in finding a stable environment to be in until I was placed in a in a home."

The veteran described a period of instability before HSN's intervention. She said she spent "176 long days" moving from one hotel to another before HSN placed her in a hotel closer to her job, which eased an otherwise stressful commute. Later, she said the housing HSN helped secure became permanent and that she has lived there "for almost 4 years." She also said that rental and electrical assistance "gave you the opportunity to save instead of being stressed out," after being without a stable home for about "476 days." These figures are presented as Jelissa recounted them during the interview.

Jelissa described HSN as accessible and hands-on: "You can find them on on the website. You can call and get their information, and they are actually willing to come to you if you're not able to come to them." She highlighted ongoing supports, saying the program provides resources, monthly check-ins and a dedicated caseworker who remains involved "every step of the way" until participants are set before exiting the program.

On how HSN helped secure permanent housing, she said staff worked with her landlord to place her despite income challenges. She also noted that, because her daughter attended the same school during the displacement, she did not require childcare resources. Reflecting on the personal impact, Jelissa said the experience temporarily eroded her sense of safety and that she worked to shield her daughter from the stress.

Asked whether she would encourage other veterans to seek help, Jelissa urged them to "take that first step," saying people should not be ashamed to ask for assistance. "There are people that are willing to help without judgment," she said.

Robinson closed the segment by saying Jelissa's story demonstrates HSN's work in Central Florida and directed listeners seeking information to ocfl.net/veterans for links and contact details.