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BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Camp Hope supports military combat veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder across the country. Executive Director David Maulsby said the organization has helped over 1,800 veterans since it opened in May 2012. The framework Before the residential center opened in Houston, Camp Hope started in 2009 with support groups for veterans. Today, Camp Hope provides veterans with the tools needed to cope with their trauma by oering housing, clinical therapy and support. “We provide every possible thing they need while they are here, including helping with their VA benets, doctor’s appointments, legal issues, or any kind of medical or dental type issues, as well as doing everything we can to support their families,” Maulsby said. Maulsby said it costs about $145 a day per resident to operate Camp Hope, and the organi- zation runs on donations. As of early October, 120 veterans lived on-site. Diving in deeper Veterans residing at Camp Hope are typically in the program for six to 12 months. They begin with a 30-day period of no access to electronic devices so they can settle in and stabi- lize without distractions from the outside world. Veterans are also placed in support groups and therapy sessions within 72 hours. After the initial 30 days, they learn more about PTSD and how it has aected them. Maulsby said veterans coping with PTSD struggle with triggers daily and require assistance to help rewire their brains. “Every possible thing that they see is a potential threat not only to them, but to the ones standing beside them,” he said. Put in perspective Maulsby said PTSD symptoms can include hyper-anxiety, a strong aversion to crowds, night- mares, shame and guilt. This can result in isolation or self-medication, and about 90% of veterans dealing with PTSD also face addiction. “Many of our veterans come in and they’ve been homeless or they’ve been living in county jail. They come in with literally nothing. So we provide everything that they need,” Maulsby said. Once veterans complete the program, Camp Hope continues to support them as they settle Camp Hope helps veterans dealing with PTSD rebuild their lives
In addition to residential housing, the Camp Hope campus hosts meals, meetings, classes and special events for veterans.
PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILAR COMMUNITY IMPACT
As of early October, Camp Hope provides shelter to 120 veterans in need of support.
U.S. Air Force veteran Deavon Brannon (left) works with fellow veteran John Petterson at Camp Hope.
back into the real world, which could mean employment or school. Alumni are also encour- aged to maintain their support groups and Camp Hope connections for continued guidance. “There’s an education part that needs to take place to understand the mental health issue in our veteran population, and to not be afraid of it,” Maulsby said. “The stigma needs to go away. They’re not bad people. PTSD is a mental health issue that we all have to be aware of.”
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