Life was going well for Nicholette Lindsay after retiring from the military in 2011.
She got a job selling software for a tech company.
When that job went away last year about this time, she reached out for help.
"That's when I was met with, 'We are only currently assisting those who are homeless at the moment.' I still had a roof over my head, so therefore I didn't qualify," said Lindsay.
By spring, she and her son found themselves on the streets of Austin. She had to focus on finding food, a place to sleep, and braving the elements.
Lindsay said her military mindset helped get through the toughest times.
"I knew if I had to rely on what the military taught me, I would and I could," said Lindsay. "But bringing a 10-year-old or any child into that, it's a different type of mindset."
She took shelter at the Salvation Army for a few months, then got the call last month she was getting a fresh start.
"For that door to open and for me to walk through it was a real blessing."
"A lot of these folks just need a second chance to get their feet under them, so they are able to provide for themselves," said Austin Mayor Steve Adler.
They've found homes for 82 of those veterans so far. Mayor Adler said help from private donations will allow the city to place all 200 homeless veterans in homes by the end of the year.
"We now have the ability to make up the gap between what these folks can afford and the apartments that are available," Adler said.
Allowing veterans like Lindsay to focus on that next career move rather than where home will be each night.
"When I say this is like a breath of fresh air, I can finally exhale," said Lindsay. "This is wonderful."
The mayor asks Austinites to consider helping the cause.
So far, they've raised more than 350-thousand dollars to offset rents for veterans.
You can help by visiting housingheroesaustin.org.