Army Veteran’s Confidence Grows in Transitional Apartment Program
Jordan Tubbs followed family tradition when she joined the Army in 2016. She enlisted because she was unsure of her future and wanted to see sights beyond her hometown of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In her nearly eight years in the military, she did not deploy but was stationed at four different bases in the U.S. and her last duty station was in Japan. She also was able to take leave to England and Germany.
Jordan honorably discharged from the Army in July 2023. She lives with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which was exacerbated by her worry over transitioning to the civilian world. She did not know where she would work or live. She thought she would have to move home to live with a relative.
During a course for transitioning service members, Jordan learned about the Transitional Housing – Apartments program, which launched in 2021 and is the newest of Operation Homefront’s four distinct programs to assist military families transitioning to civilian life.
Through the program, honorably discharged veterans within four years of service live for one year in an apartment. The families pay no rent or utilities, and they participate in financial counseling and career education to help achieve stability and chart a path to long-term post-military success.
“Donors are the backbone; you could not do this without them.” – Jordan Tubbs, Army veteran
Jordan moved into the Columbia, Maryland, apartment in August 2023. The move helped with her college finances. The bachelor’s program in cybersecurity is online but because the school is based in Maryland, her VA housing benefits increased. Not having to worry about rent or other bills gave Jordan time to focus on her mental and physical health, as well as increase her savings and credit score. She also decreased her debt.
“Because of getting to work through my VA claims, as well as being able to save up a very good cushion in my finances as well as using this program as a baby-step while getting out, I am not nearly as anxious about venturing off on my own after being in the military for eight years, and feel I can thrive on my own,” Jordan said.
She graduated from the TH-A program after a year. She plans on a road trip back to Colorado, visiting family and friends along the way. After she earns her degree, she hopes for a good job in cybersecurity.
Jordan is grateful to those who make the program possible.
“Donors are the backbone, you could not do this without them,” Jordan said. “Thank you is definitely in order.”
