A Navy Vet’s Story of Resilience

Navy vet Tashinda and her kids

Life can throw unimaginable challenges our way, but some stories remind us of the incredible strength that comes from adversity. Tashinda Richardson’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and the unwavering love she has for her two children. As a mother, a lawyer, and a Navy veteran, Tashinda’s life took a difficult turn when she faced not only a painful divorce but also the devastating impact of domestic abuse.

Tashinda served active duty as a lawyer in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps for eight years, followed by another four in the reserves. After leaving the military, she relocated her family her family to Oakland, CA. Being a transplant from the Midwest, it was difficult to balance the demands of work and motherhood in a volatile home without the support of any family members in California. She knew she had to end her marriage for her survival and the mental health of her children. Upon leaving her marriage, the weight of her situation grew heaver, triggering her PTSD and taking an emotional toll on her life. The increased trauma was impacting Tashinda at work, home, and all aspects of her life which was compounded by the practical struggle of keeping a roof over her children’s heads. She eventually lost her job and received no assistance from her former spouse.

Tashinda initially sought assistance from EOCP to maintain payments on her home. Unfortunately, the escalating trauma with her former spouse hit its climax when the court system got involved leading to the destabilization of her overall living situation. Rental payments kept piling up eventually leading to Tashinda losing her family’s home and becoming unhoused.

Sonya Perry, her case manager at EOCP, lost contact with Tashinda but did not give up on her. When Tashinda had nowhere to turn, she contacted the Oakland Veteran’s Administration and they reconnected her with Sonya for immediate housing assistance. Sonya was able to get her sheltered in a motel that same day while they looked for permanent housing options. The Oakland Housing Authority, the Veteran’s Administration and EOCP worked diligently to access a HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) voucher to secure permanent housing for Tashinda and her children.

In April 2025, after months of uncertainty, Tashinda and her two children finally moved into a two-bedroom apartment in Oakland. The moment they stepped through the door, they knew they were home. Thanks to the support she received from organizations like EOCP, the Oakland Housing Authority, and the Veteran’s Administration, she and her kids have found a path toward hope, stability, and a brighter future.