After years of not having a home, Mr. and Mrs. Olson have officially moved into their new apartment in South Austin—and the smiles on their faces say it all.
Originally from Fort Worth, the Olson’s relocated to Central Texas after facing major life challenges, including job loss, addiction, and homelessness. For a time, they were living in a single bedroom with family, sharing space with their young daughter while Mr. Olson worked full-time and lived on his own without shelter. “We were grateful, but we knew it was time for our own space,” Mr. Olson shared.
“I didn’t know what else to do. It had been one year of being on waiting lists for help” Mr. Olson said. But no one was answering their call for help. “I called again and said, ‘I’m sleeping in a tent with my wife and 8-year-old. I need help.’” That call led them to Front Steps, and within weeks, their lives changed.
Through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, Front Steps helped the Olsons secure safe, affordable housing close to Mr. Olson’s job. “Miss Julia and Miss Trina have been amazing,” said Mrs. Olson. “They went above and beyond. They prayed with us, they listened, and they cared.”
Both Mr. and Mrs. Olson say they are proudest of their sobriety—over two years and counting. “Getting sober changed everything. We see clearly now, and we’re here for our kids,” said Mrs. Olson.
As a Marine Corps veteran with 10 years of service and a 40% VA disability rating, Mr. Olson knows firsthand how difficult it can be for veterans to ask for help. “We’re taught to depend on no one,” he said. “But that mindset can make it hard when you’re struggling.” Since opening up about his journey, Mr. Olson has reconnected with fellow veterans—many of whom reached out immediately after he created a social media account. “It wasn’t high school friends calling, it was the guys I served with. That bond never goes away,” he said. He hopes others in the veteran community will feel encouraged to reach out and get the support they need from organizations like Front Steps that are committed to ending veteran homelessness in Austin.
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