When the clutch on Charles’ car failed suddenly last fall, the impact was immediate. Without transportation, he lost his job, and he missed important medical appointments. Separated from his wife, he was already couch-surfing, unsure where he’d lay his head each night. 

“At one point, I honestly thought I might need the car just to live in,” Charles said. “That was heartbreaking. I thought, what is going on?”   

A U.S. Navy veteran medically retired after a serious car accident left him with permanent spinal injuries, Charles was working to rebuild stability for himself, his wife, and their 17-month-old son. 

Facing nearly $6,000 in repair costs, Charles sought help through the NH Department of Veterans Affairs, where Vocation Rehabilitation Counselor Reid Griffin connected him with community resources, including shelter at Helping Hands Outreach Center, where Charles lived while addressing health needs and next steps. 

Griffin also reached out to Harbor Care’s veteran employment services where Manager Andrea May began working with Charles and coordinating with multiple veteran programs to explore solutions. 

“Charles stayed engaged and willing to work alongside everyone trying to help him — and that made a difference,” May said. 

She said Easterseals provided partial repair funding, with additional support coming from Friends of Veterans and Veterans2Veterans Group. Homeland Heroes helped cover daily expenses while Charles was unable to work. Vanessa Vansylyvong of Harbor Care’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families helped coordinate communication between agencies to ensure funding and support remained organized. The Dan Healy Foundation ultimately covered the remaining balance, while the dealership allowed the vehicle to remain on-site without charging storage fees throughout the lengthy process. 

In total, nine organizations worked together to repair Charles’ vehicle, with a shared focus not just on immediate repair, but on long-term stability. 

For Charles, getting his car back helped him return home to his family and reconnect with daily routines. Through Harbor Care’ employment services, he also secured a new job as an Amazon delivery driver. 

“With having my car, I’m able to get to work and go to grocery stores and doctor’s appointments,” he said, “Instead of having to walk hours or take buses with a 17-month-old. That just wasn’t sustainable.” 

Looking back, Charles says the experience changed how he views the support network available to veterans. “It was empowering to know all these organizations are there for veterans and willing to help,” he said. 

Now focused on his family and future, Charles says his priority is simple. “My best outlook right now is to be the best role model I can for my boy,” he said. “I just want to provide for my family.”