Planting Seeds of Hope for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
After 30 years of homelessness, Doran now lends an ear to veterans struggling with reintegration into civilian society.
"I tried to kill myself for 30 years."
That's what Doran Hocker told Michelle Obama when he relayed his story to her. In 2014, the St. Paul resident was honored as part of an event around the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, an initiative of the Obama White House.
Doran started his Air Force service on April 1st, 1971, serving in Korea during the Vietnam War. During his time there, he says, "I would see people literally killed everyday." After returning to the United States, Doran admits that he never reintegrated back into society and spent 30 years experiencing homelessness. But after moving to St. Paul, Minnesota, Doran connected with veteran's services and was able to get his own apartment and gain some stability.
Veterans make up approximately 9 percent of all homeless adults, with over 90% of homeless veterans being men. With the help of organizations like the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, the number of veterans experiencing homelessness has dropped by 48.4 percent since 2009. Doran currently works at the MACV as a case manager, helping veterans like himself find a sense of safety and hope.
This story is part of the collection The Call to Serve: Stories of Sacrifice, War and the Way Home, which was funded by the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation.
