VA Homeless Programs
Message from Monica Diaz, Executive Director, VHA Homeless Programs Office
April 2023
"You will likely never walk again."
Those are among the first words Marine Veteran Kevin Rumley remembers hearing from his doctor after his injury.
An improvised explosive device (IED) Rumley encountered along the Iraq-Syrian border was to blame for his doctor’s prognosis—and the more than 30 surgeries to follow.
Rumley ultimately proved his doctor wrong and walked out of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on his own 18 months later. As he left his hospital room for the first time in months, Rumley had a renewed sense of determination—and a prescription for pain medication intended to ease the healing process.
Rumley’s OxyContin prescription was marketed as a revolutionary, non-addictive pain management solution by the now-infamous Purdue Pharma. Unfortunately, he would become one of the early victims of the opioid epidemic that has ravaged this nation.
When Rumley’s prescription ended, his brain’s demand for the relief the medication offered did not. The Veteran—like so many other Americans—was forced to turn to self-medicating with illegal substances, which ultimately resulted in his introduction to the criminal justice system.
Only months earlier, Rumley was in the best shape of his life, proudly wearing his country’s uniform. However, his story illustrates just how quickly—and through no fault of one’s own—life can change.
I am proud to share that today, Kevin Rumley is healthy and in recovery.
I am even more proud to share that Kevin is of VA’s most inspirational, positive, and exemplary partners. As the director of Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court, Rumley is helping other justice-involved Veterans find their path forward.
I first learned of Kevin’s story around this time last year. I was amazed by his selflessness, optimism, and dedication to continue serving this country—a country that presented him with more challenges than many Americans could ever imagine.
Kevin’s example has stayed with me all year. As April is National Second Chance Month, I thought I would share his story with you in the hopes that you would find as much inspiration from Kevin as I do.
This month, we strive to raise awareness about the risks that justice-involved Veterans face, including the societal barriers that block so many from fully reintegrating into civilian life.
Unfortunately, Veteran homelessness and incarceration are closely tied. A lack of stable housing is a strong risk factor for incarceration, and a history of incarceration is a risk factor for becoming homeless. This month is an important time to learn what steps we can take to break this devastating, unfair cycle.
VA is committed to helping all justice-involved Veterans find and succeed in their next chapter. Whether through the Veterans Justice Outreach program, the Health Care for Re-Entry Veterans program, or our new Legal Services for Veterans grants (LSV), we are working every day to lower recidivism and homelessness rates for all Veterans.
When I think of the importance of supporting justice-involved Veterans, one phrase comes to mind: “A rising tide can lift all boats.” Justice-involved Veterans that receive the proper support and opportunities, including employment and housing opportunities, become leaders in our society. So often, they dedicate their careers to helping others overcome the challenges they once faced. They teach us the power of resilience, show us the vulnerability and strength it takes to start over, and demonstrate a level of dedication to self-improvement that benefits us all.
Spring is a season for hope and renewal—a time for a fresh start. As we watch the flowers bloom and trees blossom, let’s remember our Veterans who are also seeking a fresh start. Just as they have helped us grow and thrive in a protected, safe, and free nation, we have a responsibility to help them do the same.
