A Veteran Seeking a Jumpstart in Life

Maureen Burns is a Veteran who has turned her life around. She migrated to Oakland from out of state full of hope because she had secured a job as an ordained minister. She packed her van and travelled with her service dog only to find out that the job had fallen through. For several months, she was unhoused and unable to secure housing since she lacked a steady income source.

While living in her van, Maureen found the support of her Case Manager at EOCP’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) in October 2023 after many frustrating attempts to connect with other programs. Joyce Crosby, her Case Manager, describes Maureen’s story: “She had so many setbacks while unhoused, including the death of her sister. Maureen often shared with me that she needed a jumpstart in life which is what exactly happened to her.” Maureen turned her life around and secured permanent housing in December 2023. She lives in a duplex with a garden in Oakland and is currently working as a Head Social Worker at Swords to Plowshares in San Francisco.

Maureen continues her partnership with EOCP by providing employment opportunities to other Vets.

Most recently, Latrice Robinson, another Veteran enrolled in the program, became employed at Swords to Plowshares’ San Francisco office as a Peer Specialist.

Maureen is very grateful for EOCP’s past support and is committed to helping other Vets who are seeking full or part-time employment.

Learn more about Veteran supportive services at EOCP