05/22/2026
U.S. Navy Veteran Holli is leaving Veterans Community Project with a smile on her face.
And although the dental work is the most visible change, it represents just a small part of a complete transformation while rebuilding her life in a tiny green home at VCP Village.
Over the past eight months, she has also gotten connected to healthcare and improved her mental health, stabilized her income by accessing the VA disability benefits earned through her service three decades ago, and recently celebrated two years of sobriety.
So, yeah, Holli says, “I have a lot to smile about these days.”
This past week, she took that newfound confidence on the road. She packed up her 240-square-foot home—including loading up her beloved 14-year-old pit bull named El Chapo who lived with her inside—and moved into a new apartment to start her next chapter.
Looking ahead, Holli is especially excited about her job at a local homeless shelter. It is a full-circle moment: this is the same shelter where she once received help of her own, and where a community partner first introduced her to VCP. Now, she is paying it forward.
“It’s very uplifting to have been there and now be able to return the favor,” she explained. “I get to put my knowledge and experience to work. It’s good for my soul.”
Before heading out, Holli shared another message—one of gratitude for the VCP supporters who gave her the chance to reset. With a subtle flash of her new smile, she said simply:
“Thank you for believing in me—in all of us.”
