Never lost hope: A journey through illness, homelessness and healing

A Veteran regains independence through determination and support from VA

For Benjamin Parsons, movement has always been an important part of his life. After losing his wife of 19 years, the Navy Veteran walked 5 – 7 miles a day with his beloved Belgian Malinois, finding comfort, routine and healing in every step. Those daily walks with his loyal companion became a way to help process his grief.

Just a few years later, however, a series of medical challenges—including spinal surgery that severely reduced his mobility and eventually led to a period of homelessness—left the same man who once covered miles on foot struggling to walk on his own or manage everyday tasks.

Still, he never lost hope. No matter the challenge, Parsons kept asking questions, seeking support and exploring VA resources that could help improve his quality of life.

A sudden medical emergency changed everything

Inspired by his birth mother and grandmother, both of whom shared a strong passion for cooking for others, Parsons entered the hospitality industry and worked as a food and beverage director before joining the Navy at 25. After nearly three years of service, he returned to civilian life, cooking for restaurants, private events and high-profile figures before eventually moving into construction.

While traveling to care for his stepfather, Parsons fell ill and collapsed at a motel. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that causes staph infections, as well as osteoporosis, a bone disease. After six months of hospitalization and spinal surgery, he was discharged, but his condition continued to decline, and he became fully dependent on a wheelchair.

As his mobility decreased, so did his ability to work, putting him at risk of homelessness. Parsons was staying in a shelter and navigating significant physical limitations when he enrolled in the Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. His VA team helped him secure permanent housing and apply for pension benefits through the Veterans Benefits Administration, giving him a financial foundation while he continued receiving medical care.

Even so, Parsons struggled to care for himself safely at home. His needs exceeded what a home health aide could provide, and he continued to experience worsening pain near the site of his original spinal surgery. After a sudden episode of severe numbness and pain, Parsons collapsed and was found days later in critical, life-threatening condition, discovered by his HUD-VASH case manager, Charles Wilson, whom Parsons calls an “angel” and credits with saving his life.

That moment became a turning point.

Rebuilding strength, step by step

Parsons was transferred to a community hospital, where a more thorough evaluation led to surgical intervention that not only improved his condition but also gave him something he wasn’t sure he would ever have again: The chance to rebuild his strength and walk on his own.

When Parsons reflects on his journey, he doesn’t dwell on the challenges. He thinks about all the people who stood by him.

One word immediately comes to his mind: compassion.

“I’m blessed to have VA. HUD-VASH took care of a lot and helped me get back on my feet,” Parsons said, while also crediting Satellite Affordable Housing Associates for its role in his recovery. “They collaborate together, and they work as a good team together.”

Through every setback, that compassion, along with his own determination, carried him forward.

When asked what he hopes other Veterans take away from his story, Parsons was direct: “A lot of Veterans that I know don’t want to ask for help… either that or they don’t know how to ask or who to ask.” He wants more Veterans to get the help they need, just as he did. “There are resources to help improve your situation, whatever it may be. We’re all different. We’ve all served at different times, in different places, and in different wars. Don’t think that you’re not worthy.”

Learn about VA programs

• Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or who need to connect with a Veterans Justice Outreach specialist, can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
• Read the story of how a Veteran overcame homelessness and is now helping others. 
• Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.
• Get involved with housing homeless Veterans.