Sean is an outgoing, kind Veteran working with Pathways Vermont. Sean has been a Vermonter his whole life; he grew up in Highgate, Vermont. Sean first became homeless in April 2022 and began living 17 miles out of town in the middle of the woods with a tent and his car. “I was going through a rough time in my life, I also struggle with substance use, so that on top of everything made it 10 times worse.”
Living out there was a struggle, with barriers like no running water or cell service. “I sometimes would sleep in my car instead of my tent so the mosquitoes wouldn’t get me.” Sean became homeless following a rough divorce and struggles with substance use. “It was very hard, I had no place to go.”
During that time, Sean was referred to the Samaritan House in St. Albans. This connection led him to Pathways Vermont. He was staying at the Samaritan House when he first met Senior Service Coordinator, also named Sean, in November 2022. After the first meeting, they began the intake process and started searching for an apartment for Sean. “I can’t even find the words to say how thankful and grateful I am for meeting this man, he absolutely changed my life.” The pair worked together for six months on paperwork and touring apartments before they were finally able to locate an apartment for Sean in St. Albans.
Sean has now been in his apartment for two and a half months. The apartment is newly renovated and allows Sean to be closely connected to the community in St. Albans, which was his top priority. Looking to the future, Sean hopes to use his life experiences to help other Veterans who are experiencing homelessness. “If I could help even just one person, that would make my day.”
When asked about his experience with Pathways, Sean replied, “Do it, they are a great organization and really do care, they will go out of their way to help you.”
