FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. —  The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is working to get homeless veterans a place to live as quickly as possible, with more than 40,000 veterans housed last year.

What You Need To Know

  • The United States Department of Veterans Affairs housed over 40,000 veterans in 2022

  • In January of 2022, it was estimated that in a single night 33,136 veterans experienced homelessness

  • The VA offers housing vouchers to landlords that house veterans

Keith Prestwood takes extra care of his apartment — it’s his pride and joy. He's come a long way from where he was just a few years ago.

“I’m going to tell you something. It was a miracle and a blessing at the same time,” Prestwood said. “I’m going to tell you something. It was a miracle and a blessing at the same time,” Prestwood said. “I’m all about peace and tranquility. No chaos and drama. I can’t deal with that.” 

A U.S. Army veteran who enlisted in 1982, Prestwood admits that life after service is not smooth for all, including for him.

Before he moved into this 600 square-foot apartment in 2020, he found himself in a transition home at one point, sharing a space with several other men who were also looking for a home. 

Many were easily infringing on his space, even down to the shelf space in the fridge. 

“This is the last straw. I’ve got to get out of this situation,” Prestwood said. “I was having delicious food being taken out of the refrigerator. I can’t stand this. This has to stop.” 

With the help of his veteran service representative, Prestwood was able to take part in the VA’s housing placement program, where he finally found stability.

“I remember when I first realized when I had my own apartment. I was so elated and excited, I didn’t know what to do,” Prestwood said. “First thing I did was look at the letter ‘e’ and said, ‘this is where I’m going to be. This is going to be my permanent home for now.’ It was exhilarating.” 

With over 40,000 veterans safely placed in homes by the VA in 2022, Prestwood says it’s nice to know his fellow military brothers and sisters are being looked after when they return home. 

“It gives me a lot of hope that the system recognizes that there is a homeless problem among veterans. And that there is help for us,” Prestwood said. “Even the ones that feel like there isn’t. We still have a long [way] to go, but the fact that 40,000, that’s a huge number. I’m just grateful to be one of the 40,000.” 

For Prestwood, this opportunity means so much more. It’s about the house keys he holds in his hand. He says it represents something he has been searching for — for years. 

“I can be just who I want to be, in my own domain. It’s a key to independence, that’s really what it is,” Prestwood said. “Just being independent, not depending on anyone but yourself.”