We’ve always known that Endeavors Unlimited provides top-notch cleaning services, but now, it’s official! We’re proud to announce that we’ve earned the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification, which proves our commitment to quality, professionalism, and excellence.

This achievement isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about creating jobs for people with disabilities. At Endeavors Unlimited, we believe everyone deserves the chance to build a career they love. By choosing our services, businesses get reliable, high-quality cleaning while supporting an inclusive workforce.

What is CIMS and Why Does It Matter?

CIMS is the gold standard for cleaning service providers. It ensures companies follow strict policies to maintain clean, safe environments while running an efficient and well-managed business.

For Endeavors Unlimited, this certification is a confirmation that we are moving the needle for disability employment. And for keeping Texas spaces healthy, safe, and beautiful! It assures our clients that working with us means:

• High-quality, professional cleaning for businesses in Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
• A commitment to service excellence and customer satisfaction.
• More job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Beyond Cleaning: A Mission to Empower

Since the 1990s, Endeavors Unlimited has been more than just a cleaning service—we’re a mission-driven nonprofit. Our goal is to help adults with disabilities gain competitive, integrated employment while delivering top-tier services to commercial and government clients.

With this certification, we continue to set the bar for both industry excellence and workforce inclusion.

What does this mission look like in the real world? Take Marine Corps veteran Javier, for example. For Javi, life after service was anything but easy. After returning home from deployment, he struggled with PTSD and severe anxiety, which led to job loss, homelessness, and isolation.

“I went from a proud officer in the Marine Corps to a proud police officer to living in my van,” Javi shared. “I was homeless.”

That’s when he found Endeavors Unlimited. Through our Job Supportive Services and Direct Employment programs, Javi was able to get back on his feet, secure stable housing, and find meaningful employment in custodial and landscaping services.

“I enjoy what I do, and I enjoy the people I work with,” Javi said. “Endeavors helped me build my self-esteem and my confidence back up. Now, I see the sun every day.”

Javi’s story is proof that employment is more than just a paycheck—it’s a path to stability, purpose, and healing. Today, he manages administrative operations for our Endeavors Health & Wellness Center in San Antonio, helping connect other veterans and first responders to a wide variety of physical, mental, and spiritual wellness services.

(Read more about Javier’s inspiring story here.)

How You Can Support Inclusive Employment

Want to keep your business spotless while making a difference? Here’s how:

• Hire an Award-Winning Team: If your business needs custodial or landscaping services in Houston, San Antonio, or Fort Worth, partner with Endeavors Unlimited. You’ll receive professional, high-quality service while supporting an inclusive workforce.
• Support Career Growth for People with Disabilities: Our Job Support Services provide training, job coaching, and career support to help individuals with disabilities gain confidence and thrive in the workplace.
• Help Spread the Word: The more businesses that know about our mission, the more jobs we can create. Share our story and be part of building a more inclusive workforce.

Let’s Work Together

By choosing Endeavors Unlimited, you’re not just getting expert cleaning services—you’re helping create sustainable employment for people with disabilities.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your business or employment goals. Visit endeavors.org/endeavors-unlimited/ to get started.

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September 11th is a day that will forever be etched in our memories. As a designated National Day of Service, it’s a day to honor those we lost, celebrate the bravery of first responders, and take care of the country they risked and sacrificed their lives for. 

Each year on the 9/11 National Day of Service, we have an opportunity to take care of the folks in our little neck of the woods. Last year, Endeavors staff and volunteers distributed 1,200 comfort kits to homebound veterans in San Antonio and donated over 3,000 meals to our partners at Meals on Wheels, San Antonio. 

This year, we’re partnering with Meals on Wheels once again…with the goal of helping even more people in need. 

And we challenge you to take a look at your community and ask yourself: Where can I make a difference? Although 9/11 is a day when we remember those who died in the horrific events of that day in 2001, it is also a day to honor their memory by giving back in your own neck of the woods. Wherever you live, here are 10 ways you can get involved in the National Day of Service:

1. Clean Out Your Closet and Donate Clothing

With winter around the corner, many people experiencing homelessness or living in temporary shelters will need warm clothing. Review your closet and donate clothing you no longer wear or need to a local shelter. Your generosity can help someone stay warm and safe during the colder months.

2. Donate Pet Food and Toys to Your Local Animal Shelter

Pets are often overlooked in times of crisis, but they too need care and support. During your next grocery run, pick up a bag of pet food and donate it to a local animal shelter. For twenty bucks, you can help ensure that pets awaiting adoption aren’t going hungry.

(Bonus Idea: Make some DIY dog toys from old t-shirts you have laying around the house for shelter pups!)

3. Support Your Local Schools

Teachers often go above and beyond to provide for their students, sometimes out of their own pockets. Email your child’s teacher to see what school supplies they might be running low on, then organize a drive with other parents to gather and donate these supplies. It’s a great way to support education and ensure every student has what they need to succeed.

4. Volunteer with Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels distributes warm meals to homebound seniors across the country. You can get involved by finding a local Meals on Wheels activation in your area.

5. Donate Blood

Blood donations are critical, and one donation can save multiple lives. Consider donating blood on the National Day of Service. Local hospitals and blood donation centers often host blood drives, making it easy for you to contribute to this life-saving cause. Find a local blood drive here.

6. Volunteer with a Local Service Organization

Many organizations are doing essential work in your community. Find a local service organization whose mission aligns with your passions and sign up to volunteer. Whether it’s a veteran services organization like Endeavors or another nonprofit, your time and effort can make a real difference.

7. Deliver a Meal or Care Package to Your Local Fire Department or Police Station

First responders are everyday heroes who serve our communities tirelessly. Show your appreciation by delivering a meal or care package to your local fire department or police station. It’s a simple gesture that can mean a lot to those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe.

8. Beef Up Your Bus Stop

Many bus stops lack seating, making it uncomfortable for those waiting for public transportation. Consider installing benches or chairs at local bus stops in your area. This small improvement can make a significant difference for commuters, especially seniors or individuals with disabilities.

9. Support Veterans and Service Members

There are numerous ways to give back to those who have served our country. Sign up to be a volunteer sponsor for a service member transitioning from the military, or visit your local nursing home or VA hospital to spend time with veterans who may not get many visitors. You can also put together care packages for deployed military and National Guard members, or gather friends to repair or rebuild fences at the homes of elderly or veteran community members.

10. Clean Up Your Community

Gather your family, friends, or neighbors to pick up roadside trash and clean up public spaces like parks, libraries, or playgrounds. A cleaner environment benefits everyone and fosters community pride.

The National Day of Service is a powerful reminder that we can all contribute to the greater good. At Endeavors, we believe in the importance of service, and we encourage you to take part in any way you can. Whether it’s donating clothing, volunteering your time, or supporting our veterans, every act of kindness counts.

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information, visit endeavors.org.

The post 10 Ideas for Giving Back on 9/11 appeared first on Endeavors®.

In July 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a decades-long precedent on homelessness, allowing cities to ban sleeping in public places. This ruling will impact thousands across the country, including people trying to survive in Texas. 

Austin Echo estimates that “at least 6,683 people experienced homelessness in Austin or Travis County on a single day in October 2023.” Homelessness can mean sleeping in cars and tents (unsheltered) or staying in shelters (sheltered). 

For Amelia, an Austin woman we recently helped, who fled an abusive relationship and lives with disabilities, it encompassed all these harsh realities.

Life On The Streets 

Born and raised in Austin, Amelia never imagined that she’d one day be living on the streets. 

She was a hard worker, a good friend, and a sharp individual. She – like so many of us – never thought homelessness could happen to her.

“I was in a controlling marriage that had me to the point where I couldn’t function correctly,” she shares. With no high school diploma, Amelia had trouble establishing the economic independence that would allow her to easily leave the relationship, and she stayed in the marriage longer than was healthy. Ultimately, that marriage had a devastating impact on her mental health and well-being. 

She found herself unsupported, unemployed, and unhoused.

“I was in and out of employment because of some of those mental issues,” she remembers. “I ended up living out of my car for a little while.”

“A little while” turned into five years of homelessness. 

Fortunately, Amelia had what many people experiencing housing instability don’t: a friend. 

For five years, Amelia and her best friend faced the harsh realities of homelessness together. “We tried to look out for each other while we were homeless together for five years. We tried different programs,” Amelia shares. Even so, the experience was grueling. “We lost the vehicle and stayed in a tent for about six months. It was a challenge to ensure we were staying clean and drinking water and getting meals.”

Their journey included an attempt to join the local shelters and housing programs, but the waiting lists were long and challenging. Life on the streets didn’t help Amelia’s mental health. Eventually, the compounding stress boiled over, resulting in a mental health crisis that led to a stay in a mental health facility.

The Path From Homelessness To Housing

While in care, Amelia received a mental health diagnosis that meant she was suddenly eligible for one of Austin’s Rapid Rehousing programs. After discharge, Amelia attended an outreach event at the One Texas Center and learned about the Rapid Rehousing Program (RHH) at Endeavors, which aims to provide more stability for unhoused Austinites.

Endeavors, a national service organization, has been supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness since 1969. Initially based in San Antonio, we’ve expanded our efforts across Texas, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico, and opened an office in Austin in 2023. The Austin Rapid Rehousing team at Endeavors offers a caring, stable, and healthy environment for those experiencing homelessness.

Homelessness often involves a cycle of streets, shelters, and temporary housing. A permanent address is crucial for stability, job opportunities, and safety. We focus on securing housing first, providing application and financial assistance to quickly house individuals. After securing housing, Endeavors offers resources and referrals for behavioral health and basic needs to help clients maintain stability and build independence.

“When I started [with the program], I was thinking it would take a while, but it didn’t. It just took a few months,” Amelia recounts. “They found us an apartment and helped us fill out the application.” The program also covered rent and utility payments for up to a year, lifting a significant burden off their shoulders. 

Endeavors assigned Amelia a personal Case Manager, Katherine. “Katherine was very diligent and helpful in figuring out with the landlord and helping us with the transition. That took so much burden off us as we tried to stabilize ourselves. It helped me to focus more on getting my health back in order.”

Despite her mental health challenges and legal charges, she remained committed to staying out of trouble, taking her medication, and attending therapy.

(Further reading: “Homeless vs. Experiencing Homelessness: Why Vocabulary Matters”)

A New Beginning

With stable housing, Amelia could focus on her physical and mental health. “When I was outside, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and I didn’t have anywhere to put the machine. Suddenly I did.” 

A roof over her head and an outlet for her CPAP – two seemingly small but oh-so-mighty changemakers for Amelia. Two big wins in her fight to break the cycle of homelessness.

The newfound stability and encouragement from her Endeavors caseworker, Katherine, empowered Amelia to pursue long-term goals. As humans, we’re more likely to achieve our goals and live happy, healthy lives when we feel part of a community. When we move a client into their new home, the Case Manager will introduce them to resources and organizations in their new neighborhood to help them feel supported, invested, and valued.

“With the encouragement from [Katherine], I decided to finally go for what I’ve been trying to do for years,” Amelia says, “which was go for my GED.”

Amelia is close to completing her GED, with math being her final subject. “It’s built my self-confidence back up. It’s made me happier, more motivated, and determined to keep moving forward.” She also plans to take college courses to earn an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Technology, a field she’s passionate about thanks to her father’s influence.

Now, on the other side of homelessness, she has a message for others in need: “There are resources out there that can help you, and you shouldn’t let other people’s negativity or doubts keep you from trying. If you keep trying, you’ll succeed.”

Join Our Mission

You can join our mission and help fight homelessness in Austin by donating your time, talent, or treasure. Email ARR@Endeavors.org to:

• Lead a workshop in your field of expertise for our clients
• Help furnish an apartment for a housing client by donating new or gently used furniture or homewares
• Donate new or gently used clothing or shoes

Read more: “8 Actionable Ways to Help Someone Experiencing Homelessness”

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information, visit endeavors.org.

The post Rapid Rehousing Program Breaks Cycle of Homelessness For Austin Abuse Survivor appeared first on Endeavors®.

Veteran homelessness is a pressing issue in the United States, with over 35,000 veterans experiencing homelessness on any given night.

Texas, home to a significant veteran population, reflects this challenge, although organizations across the state are working tirelessly to address it.

Endeavors’ Supportive Services for Veterans program in Texas has seen many success stories, and today, we share the inspiring journey of Albert Abraham, a former Army Staff Sergeant who overcame tremendous adversity with our support.

A Hero Living on the Streets

“I served in the Army for 10 years, 10 months, and 21 days,” says Albert, reflecting on a career marked by multiple deployments in and around Iraq. As a Staff Sergeant E-6, he embodied the Army values, yet life dealt him harsh blows. 

Following a painful separation from his wife, he struggled with mental health and received an honorable discharge. “Life fell apart on me after that,” he recalls. 

Initially, Albert managed to secure a decent job and supplemented his income by delivering for Uber Eats. However, his life took a dramatic turn after a severe car accident left him injured and without transportation. “I lost my job. I’d lost my career, my wife, my home, and my car. It was a very low point. I gave up a little bit. I wanted to.” 

This period marked the beginning of his experience with homelessness.

“I stayed with my mom and dad for a time, but it was constant fighting, and their house was not livable.”

With no other options, Albert found himself sleeping under a bridge in downtown Austin.

Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments

Under that bridge, Albert experienced extreme deprivation – he was starving, dehydrated, and lethargic in the stifling Texas heat. He had no shelter save that bridge, no real protection from the sun or the rain should it decide to cut under his cement shelter. While trying to simply survive each day, he experienced a spiritual realization. “I think sometimes I almost died, or maybe I did, and He showed me there are only two places to go when you die.” 

This epiphany reignited his determination to rebuild his life, and he pulled on the strength of his years in uniform. “One of the seven Army values is to never accept defeat,” he shares. “It’s under discipline.” 

That was the day he decided to seek help and connect with people who could offer support.

It was through the American Legion that he met Cullen Burch, a military family member, and Site Supervisor for a Diboll branch of Endeavors, which provides Supportive Services for Veterans across Texas. Burch helped Albert enroll in Endeavors’ program, where he could start the complex process of submitting paperwork for VA benefits. 

It was the change Albert needed, and good things blossomed from there. “The more I did, the easier things became, and the more blessings were bestowed. It was a cycle of good.”

From Homelessness to Home

Endeavors, along with VFW and Neighborhood Strong, played a pivotal role in his long-term recovery. Through combined efforts, Endeavors was able to get Albert a spot in short-term housing that got him off the streets as quickly as possible. 

“They put me into the Joe W. Elliot House for a few months,” he remembers. “I had hurdles along the way. Employment that should’ve happened, or I thought should’ve been permanent.” 

Like many people trying to break the cycle of homelessness, Albert had to fight through obstacles that many of us never need to even think about: lack of clean professional clothing for job interviews, lack of money for haircuts and grooming, and no reliable transportation to get to work on time.

Despite these challenges, he remained dedicated to overcoming employment and housing instability. “If you have inner calm, there’s strength,” he says now, looking back. “Jesus works through people. Their generosity, their selflessness.”

No one’s journey from homelessness to stability is linear. Breaking the cycle of homelessness is work. “It was about two years from losing my home to getting keys to a new apartment.”

Through perseverance and the support of Endeavors, he finally secured stable housing: an apartment of his own. Thanks to a partnership with the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, Endeavors helped Albert obtain a Housing Choice Voucher to help cover his housing expenses. That stability has been the foundation for so much more sustainable success.

“Now I live in an apartment and I have three jobs,” Albert says proudly. “I work for the city full-time, I have my own landscaping business, and I work with a partner on another landscaping business.” 

After leaving the Army, Albert thought he’d never find another calling or purpose. But now he knows that for him, happiness is owning his own business and being outside all day.

A New Life: Housing, Work, and Community

Today, he remains active in his community, working diligently and attending church. “I listen to other people because I can relate to them on a lot of planes. I’ve been at the very, very bottom.” 

Through his journey, he learned invaluable lessons about self-worth and the importance of a solid foundation. “If you’re not stable, your foundation will crumble and you’re not going to build anything on top of it,” he says. “The message is not to quit, but to pursue. It’s not going to be overnight, but there’s help, and Endeavors is a good place to go if you’re a veteran.”

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information, visit endeavors.org.

The post Texas Veteran Beats Homelessness, Becomes Entrepreneur appeared first on Endeavors®.

The Storms That Changed Everything

In 2020 and 2021, Lake Charles, Louisiana, faced a barrage of natural disasters that seemed almost biblical in their intensity. Two devastating hurricanes, a rare snowstorm, and a flood swept through the community, leaving destruction and heartache in their wake.

Years later, the marks of these calamities are evident everywhere. Fragile blue tarps cling to damaged roofs, businesses remain shuttered, and many residents are still without permanent homes, living in temporary shelters, trailers, or even their cars. The homelessness crisis triggered by these disasters has deeply scarred the community, making the road to recovery slow and fraught with challenges.

In 2023, the Endeavors team arrived in Lake Charles, armed with a grant to help Lake Charles disaster survivors rebuild their lives. 

Residents like Felicia.

An Unimaginable Loss

A resident of Lake Charles, Felicia was hit hard by the one-two punch of Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Before the storm, Felicia had spent half a lifetime building a career in elderly and disability care. She also cared for her mother and niece. She had a home, a community, and a stable career with purpose.

Then, within a single week, her home was struck by both storms. She and her family had evacuated to Texas before Laura hit, narrowly escaping the devastation of three massive trees crashing into their home.

When they returned, they found their home unlivable and everything they owned destroyed. Everything Felicia had worked for was gone.

The loss was more than material. In addition to navigating homelessness and unemployment, Felicia had to manage the emotional and physical well-being of her mother and niece. 

“Dealing with losing everything, including my mom’s health, was overwhelming. We didn’t know where to start over. It took a toll on me, and we had to return to Texas,” she recalls.

Amid the wreckage, Felicia turned to her faith for comfort and strength. “I fasted, prayed, and listened to the calm of His voice,” she says.

Struggling For Stability

Recovering from a natural disaster is a long and arduous journey. Felicia’s mother eventually moved back into her apartment, but Felicia had to move into a temporary FEMA trailer in a remote area. 

Despite the hardships, she expressed gratitude for having a place to stay. “I’m grateful I qualified for [that] program,” she says. She began working for a local charity supporting survivors of Hurricane Ida, slowly regaining her footing.

Living in the trailer was challenging. One day, as she was leaving her trailer to attend a local high school graduation, a car struck her trailer, throwing her 15 feet. “I didn’t know what happened. I couldn’t see. My unit was flipped over, and about three neighbors came out. All I could see was my door open, and I couldn’t see people. I could see their silhouettes.”

At the hospital, doctors confirmed that Felicia had suffered a severe concussion along with injuries to her shoulder, hip, knee, and Achilles tendon. For four months, she lived with ruptured tendons and almost no vision, unable to work, care for others, or make strides toward regaining a permanent home.

Overcoming Devastation With Hope

It wasn’t until Christmas 2022, twenty-seven months after Hurricanes Laura and Delta destroyed her home, that Felicia met Endeavors at an outreach event, marking a new chapter in her life. 

In Lake Charles, Endeavors provides disaster survivors with essential services like rental application assistance, job support, housing stabilization, intensive case management, and referrals to outside resources. 

These services are vital for residents like Felicia, facing homelessness due to Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida. After a brief intake session, Felicia was assigned a Case Manager, Harlie, who quickly found her a safer place to live.

Harlie found Felicia a safe, affordable apartment for Felicia and her niece in a well-looked-after neighborhood.

But they hit one more snag. Despite that her home had been deemed uninhabitable after the storm, Felicia’s electric company was still charging her, and she couldn’t put power in her name at her new apartment until the outstanding bill was paid. Not one to let funds stand in the way of finding a client housing, Harlie reached out to Endeavors’ community partners to fundraise the money and ensure Felicia could get power in her new home.

“I cried so much because I didn’t know what to expect,” Felicia shares. “When I got there, the light of the Lord met me there. My case manager, Miss Harlie, is very dedicated to people. She’s patient, professional, and on time.”

Thanks to these efforts, Felicia was able to pay her deposits, and today, she and her niece have a permanent residence they proudly call “home.” “I’m proud of Harlie,” Felicia says from her kitchen table, surrounded by her bustling family, decorating and arranging furniture. “Proud of all of y’all for showing up for us. I can breathe again. Just yesterday, we started turning this house into a home, and I’m forever grateful.”

How You Can Help Prevent Homelessness After A Natural Disaster

Felicia is one of 93 hurricane survivors who have recently recovered with assistance from the Louisiana Rapid Rehousing Program. If you are a landlord, consider partnering with the Louisiana Rapid Rehousing team. By providing housing to disaster survivors, you can play a crucial role in your community’s recovery process. To learn more about landlord incentives and how you can get involved, please contact us at LRR@endeavors.org or call (337) 240-9050.

Together, we can help more residents like Felicia turn their houses into homes, one day at a time. Let’s rebuild Lake Charles, not just with bricks and mortar, but with compassion, hope, and unwavering support.

About Endeavors

Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information, visit endeavors.org.

The post Rapid Rehousing Proves Lifeline for Louisiana Hurricane Survivor appeared first on Endeavors®.

In our ongoing commitment to combat homelessness, Endeavors is dedicated to providing housing assistance and homelessness prevention programs for veterans, people with disabilities, and mothers with children in Texas, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico. Since our founding in 1969, we have been actively working to address homelessness and create a future where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and stability. Change takes a village, and in that spirit, here are five things you can say to someone experiencing homelessness that not only offer support but also convey empathy and respect.

1. “Hello, What’s Your Name?”

First things first, acknowledging the humanity of those living on the streets is crucial. A powerful way to achieve this is through a genuine introduction. A simple “Hello, What’s Your Name?” can go a long way in creating a connection. By addressing individuals by their names, if shared, we contribute to restoring a sense of dignity that might have been missing in their lives for some time. And never underestimate the power of eye contact to convey sincerity. 

2. “How Are You Doing Today?”

A compassionate inquiry about their well-being can open the door to meaningful conversations. After you ask this question, actively listen to their answer, and ask follow-up questions to foster real connection. Remember that you may be the first person to ask after their wellbeing in days, weeks, or months. 

3. “Is There Anything You Need Right Now?”

Expressing empathy and support involves more than just words. By asking if there’s anything specific they need at the moment, such as a meal, clean clothing, or information about local services, we demonstrate a willingness to help that respects their autonomy. While they may not always accept the offer, the act of asking itself speaks volumes.

4. “I’m Here to Listen if You Want to Talk”

Acknowledging the emotional burdens that individuals experiencing homelessness may carry, offering to listen without judgment can provide tremendous relief. By letting them know that you are available for a conversation, you become an attentive and compassionate listener, offering a sense of solace through your presence alone.

5. “There’s Help Available, and You Deserve It”

Empowerment is key in assisting those in need. Inform them about organizations like Endeavors that are committed to providing housing assistance and support. Encourage them to seek help and remind them that they deserve a stable and safe place to call home. If interested, provide information about local shelters, food programs, or medical services.

In our collective efforts to end homelessness and provide housing assistance, these five phrases serve as a guide to approaching conversations with those in need. It is crucial to respect the uniqueness of each person’s situation and recognize their boundaries and choices.

Homelessness Prevention At Endeavors

If you know or encounter someone facing or experiencing homelessness, Endeavors may be able to help.

In Texas, our housing programs provide short-term, long-term, and permanent housing support for veterans and their families, people with disabilities, and women with disabilities who have children. Endeavors also provides housing support for Bexar County young adults ages 18-24. 

In Lake Charles, Louisiana, we provide Rapid Re-Housing services for individuals and families whose homes were rendered uninhabitable by hurricanes. 

In Puerto Rico, we operate a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program that helps veterans find competitive employment, permanent housing, and mental health services.

Our mission extends beyond immediate help; we aim to foster connections, restore dignity, and empower individuals to take steps toward improving their lives. While words make a difference, actions speak louder. By supporting organizations like Endeavors and advocating for policies addressing the root causes of homelessness, you contribute to a future where homelessness is rare, and every individual can live with dignity and stability. Consider supporting Endeavors mission to end homelessness by making a tax-deductible donation on our website. 

Let’s join hands in creating a society where homelessness is a thing of the past, and every person has a place they can call home. 

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, natural disaster victims, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services and Emergency Services/Disaster Response.

The post 5 Things to Say To Someone Experiencing Homelessness appeared first on Endeavors®.

On any given day at San Antonio’s Haven for Hope campus offering shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness, you might see Vince Moses talking quietly with a Veteran, sponsoring them on their recovery journey.  

Or you might find him facilitating a group of 40 participants in the Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorder Program provided by Haven’s Center for Healthcare Services.  

On a lunch break, Moses might be catching up on homework for medical billing school, for which he maintains a 4.0 GPA. In the evenings, making extra money at a restaurant. And on the weekends, spending cherished time with his preteen daughter.   

This description reflects a life of professional success and personal fulfillment – but Moses, who once served in the Army Reserves, will be the first to tell you it hasn’t always been this way. For nearly a decade up until 2020, Moses struggled with substance abuse, experienced homelessness for three years, and lost contact with his family, including his daughter.    

“I was an addict,” he says. “I was on drugs, alcohol. Sleeping in abandoned houses, going in dumpsters for food, standing on corners panhandling. Doing anything for the high.” 

The turning point came after Moses had a run-in with the law. Upon release from jail, he was admitted to Jail Outreach, a program at Haven for Hope that included rehabilitation. As he puts it, the choice was either joining Haven and getting sober or going to prison.  

At Haven, Moses addressed his addictions, becoming clean in January 2021. He completed and graduated from both the Intensive Outpatient Program and the Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorder Program. 

Moses also participated in Next Right Steps, a sober living program that usually takes a year to complete. Moses finished in nine months.  

He got hired at a local restaurant and began setting aside money for housing. It was then that he connected with Endeavors, the San Antonio nonprofit that provides services and support for Veterans. 

With the help of Endeavors’ Navigator Program, Moses moved into his own apartment, using his earnings from the restaurant to further his education and career goals. To that end, he obtained a scholarship for medical billing and coding school and landed a job as a Recovery Facilitator at Haven for Hope’s Center for Healthcare Services – the very same program from which he graduated just a few short years ago.    

“When I was there, I thought people didn’t want to help me,” he remembers. “Then I got to a place of understanding that everything’s a process. Now that I’m on the other side, I see everybody feeling the way I felt. Being able to help them move through that and accept where they are makes me feel better.” 

He also reconnected with his daughter. They now enjoy regular visits, even weeklong stays.  

As Moses views it, going to jail might have been the best thing to happen to him. 

“I believe in God. I believe in Jesus Christ. There was a point when I was homeless that I asked God to get me off the streets. When I went to jail, to me that was God answering my prayers. I was put into Haven, then I got into Endeavors, and now I have my own apartment, my own car, my own jobs. Everything has been a 180 from what it was.” 

Meet more Veterans who have broken the cycle of homelessness.

About Endeavors  

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit endeavors.org. 

The post Change When You Least Expect It: One Veteran’s Odyssey from Homelessness to Hope appeared first on Endeavors®.

When U.S. Army Reserve Veteran Sequoyia Hurt and her husband Daniel found themselves and their children without a roof over their heads after the apartment in which they were living no longer accepted Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers, the family moved into Haven for Hope, a shelter for families in San Antonio.  

Shelter life can be challenging. For a family of six, nearly impossible. But that didn’t dampen Hurt’s spirit, nor slow her resolve to build back their life. Hurt is one of those people who spots the good in anything, who sees the silver lining on a dark cloud.  

“It wasn’t the easiest,” she recalls. “We have four children: a teenager who’s ready to do their own thing and three young children full of energy. I was always making sure the kids were with me, watching them, trying to keep them safe. 

“But I’m really grateful for that time,” she adds. “While we were there, we were able to (access) a lot of resources.” 

Among those resources? Endeavors, a San Antonio-based nonprofit that has been offering a hand up to people experiencing homelessness since 1969. 

Hurt says Endeavors, which also provides support for disaster relief and Veteran services, was crucial to helping her family with the logistics of getting back on their feet. 

Endeavors covered the cost of repairs to the family’s car and then nominated the family for a program where a local auto shop completed the remaining repairs at no cost.  

Logistics aside, Hurt says it was through Endeavors that she also found the hope to move forward.  

Endeavors introduced her to Grace After Fire. The group assists female Veterans in the transition from military to civilian life by providing support and fellowship. Through them, Hurt met other women Veterans at Haven for Hope. 

“It was a time for me to grow and mature and learn new techniques to deal with all that was going on, including past traumas,” she says. “I was able to face life more confidently – even while being homeless and not knowing how I was going to provide for my family.” 

In January 2023,  Endeavors secured housing for Hurt and her family. It was one more step in the chain of support. Since then, Endeavors has linked Hurt with the San Antonio Ready To Work program, and she’s earning certifications in personal training and nutrition via Texas Tech University and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.  

Hurt also enrolled in medical assistant school and is studying for her pharmacy exam. She plans to access GI Bill benefits to study pre-med, to eventually open a center for holistic health and wellness services for under-served populations.  

In the meantime, Hurt maintains her characteristic optimism. And her drive to pay it forward.  

She and her husband started an organization that partners with community groups to identify individuals experiencing homelessness who need basic services, focusing their efforts on those who tend to shy away from service hubs and shelters.  

They also volunteer at clothing, food, and water distributions, and recently joined forces with Angie’s Heart Ministries and Harvest Center for a back-to-school supply and food drive for families in need. 

All of these activities align with Hurt’s ethos of looking on the bright side and lifting others up when you can. Or even sometimes when you can’t. As she puts it:  

“I tell people to trust in God – however that may be for you – find a source of peace and then find a support group. I had my case manager, Brittany, at Endeavors. I could talk to her and she was able to provide resources and information. And she connected me with women who had similar experiences and they helped me work through things. So, find someone — a support group or a person – you can relate to.  

“And remember that you do have a purpose. You are here for a reason. Know that, and never give up.” 

Meet more Veterans who have broken the cycle of homelessness.

About Endeavors  

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit endeavors.org. 

The post Rising From Homelessness: A Veteran’s Story of Hope appeared first on Endeavors®.

As Vinca Andre Dixon sees it, the path to homelessness is marked by a dozen small forks in the road. Left turns here, right turns there, all leading to a place where once you’ve arrived, you have no idea how you got there.  

“The things that lead to homelessness are things you just don’t pay attention to,” Dixon says. “You overlook certain things you’re doing, or not doing. You shrug off problems. You say, ‘It’s not that serious.’”  

For Dixon, a U.S. Marine Corps Captain honorably discharged in 1986, that first bend in the road was a big one – the deaths of his wife, mother-in-law, and father within eight months of each other. 

“It created a hole inside of me that couldn’t be filled, no medication could medicate, no doctor had a cure,” Dixon recalls. “It was the first time I ever ran into a problem I couldn’t solve. I sank deep into depression and wandered in a fog for 20 years. I didn’t care if the sun came up, I didn’t care about anything. I became homeless.” 

Dixon lived unhoused for four years. During that time he battled depression and substance abuse, and he discovered something life-changing:even though it was the loss of loved ones that spurred two decades of struggle, it was the people who were still alive and still cared about him that inspired his salvation.  

“I made up my mind that I had to do better for them,” Dixon says. “I also realized I couldn’t do it on my own.” 

So Dixon connected with Endeavors – the largest provider of support services for Veterans in the U.S.  Endeavors enrolled Dixon in its program, finding space for him at Heroes Haven, a shared housing complex for Veterans.  

With his outgoing personality, warmth, optimism, and whole-hearted commitment to change, Dixon soon became an integral part of the community.  

So much so that even after Dixon secured his HUD-VASH voucher and moved out of Heroes Haven, the landlord of Heroes Haven hired Dixon as a property manager and tenant liaison, a job he holds to this day. In this role, he uses his experience of hardship and grief to help other Veterans.  

“I always said that if I ever got my head just an inch above water, I was going to tell people exactly how you can better yourself,” Dixon, now four years sober, explains.  

“I can tell someone the exact steps. I’ll say: ‘Look, they’ll direct you to this address, but it’s not that address, it’s actually the building behind it. Catch bus number 88 and transfer to bus number 34. Ride that for 15 minutes until you get to this Valero gas station.’ And so on.”  

Having navigated the road out of homelessness, Dixon bravely returns – not to fall back into old habits, but to light the way for others on the journey, pointing out turns and offering directions. 

“As someone who’s walked the streets, lived under bridges, and camped outside, I understand what they’re going through,” he says. “What really matters is to have somebody they can identify with, knowing that that person laid on the ground just like they did, and then got up off the ground and started doing better.” 

Meet more Veterans who have broken the cycle of homelessness.

About Endeavors  

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit endeavors.org. 

The post Charting the Course: Captain Dixon’s Mission to Help Veterans Find a Home  appeared first on Endeavors®.

Javier “Javi” Sandoval never goes anywhere without donning his red-and-black Marine Corps hat. 

“I’m proud to have served as a Marine,” he says. “The hat is a symbol of what I did and my service to the Corps.” 

Sandoval’s hat is more than a symbol of his service, though. He says it also connects him to other Marines.  

Now retired, Sandoval joined the Marine Corps in 1984, training as a Dynamic Component Mechanic and as a Crew Chief gunner off Hueys and Cobras in Somalia. He served in the military for 10 years, followed by 23 years working as a San Antonio-based police officer for the North East Independent School District.    

Whether at the grocery store or the gas station, the cap often inspires a hearty “Semper Fi!” or “Oorah!” from fellow servicemembers, a greeting that reminds Sandoval he’s part of a proud band of brothers.  

But he didn’t always feel that way.  

After retiring from the military, and despite his successful law enforcement career, Sandoval was plagued by severe post-traumatic stress from his time in Somalia, accompanied by paralyzing anxiety, nightmares, and sleepless weeks and months.    

He felt alone, disconnected.    

The only way he knew to dull the sharp edge of those tormenting memories was to self-medicate with alcohol, a coping method that eventually got out of hand, he says. Sandoval could no longer maintain a job, nor keep his house.  

He soon found himself homeless, living in his van.  

“My problem was I thought I could fix myself,” he recalls. “I was a proud sergeant in the Marine Corps. I was a proud police officer. And I thought, ‘I can take care of myself. I can fix this.’ Well, no, I couldn’t. The hardest part was to admit that.” 

Sandoval believes that acknowledging the need for help was his turning point, the first step to recovery and reclaiming his life.  

But he credits his brother with that critical next step – access to real support and tangible resources. 

His brother referred him to Endeavors. As the largest provider of support services for Veterans and their families, Endeavors was able to offer Sandoval a path forward.  

His Endeavors case manager enrolled Sandoval in Endeavors’ Veteran Support Services program, which got him off the street and into short-term housing; connected him with mental health counseling, medical assistance, and substance abuse services; and eventually got him set up with a permanent home.  

Sandoval distinctly remembers the day after he moved into his new apartment.  

“All I had was a blanket and a pillow,” he recalls. “Then I got a knock on the door. All this furniture arrived: a sofa, chairs. And it’s all brand-new stuff, the tags were still on! They said Ashley Furniture. I was like, “Wow. Why are they giving this to me?’” 

Sandoval was moved. Inspired. And motivated to continue the momentum.  

He found employment in custodial services at Endeavors, moving up the ranks to custodial lead, and finally to his current role as care coordinator where – in true Marine fashion – he stands on the front lines at Endeavors, meeting Veterans when they first step through the doors.  

“There have been times where we’ve had veterans come in crisis and I’ve been able to take them aside and talk with them. Because I’ve had the experience, I’m able to talk to them until we can get a clinician to take over,” Sandoval says. “I got help from Endeavors and now I want to give it back as many times as I can. It makes me feel good.”  

Today, Sandoval is going on six years sober. He reconnected with his family after years of estrangement. He enjoys his home, a new truck, and perhaps most profound, he finds fulfillment encouraging other Veterans to do the thing it took him years to do – ask for help.  

“The strength is not trying to do it yourself,” Sandoval says, “the strength is to ask for the help. That’s where real strength comes from. And inside of you, you have that strength.” 

Meet more Veterans who have broken the cycle of homelessness.

About Endeavors  

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit endeavors.org. 

The post Semper Fi: Hope and Recovery for a San Antonio Veteran   appeared first on Endeavors®.