Holly Wright | Facebook

A Navy veteran is receiving much needed help in finding housing thanks to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. 

Holly Wright, an Ozanam Manor resident and Navy veteran, was in a difficult position when she came to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for help, the organization reported. 

Holly had previously been living with her daughter, helping to watch her grandchildren. After her daughter lost her job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mother and daughter got into a disagreement. Holly left her daughter’s home and took none of her possessions with her. 

Holly began drinking in the early days after leaving her daughter’s house, living in a park for a week. She was directed to St. Vincent de Paul’s Ozanam Manor. The manor is a transition home for veterans, disabled individuals and seniors. 

Prior to living with her daughter, Holly had been homeless for an extended period of two years. She had struggled with alcohol and had been in unhealthy relationships for a number of years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul reported. Much of her challenging situation came from the post-traumatic stress disorder that she developed after serving in the Navy for 12 years. 

Originally from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Navajo County, Arizona, Holly said that she was always surrounded by alcohol. It made it difficult to resist. Her father even died of cirrhosis. 

Holly was a third class engine petty officer in her time in the Navy. She enjoyed getting to travel and meet different people. 

Holly got married and gave birth to two children, opting against re-enlistment, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul reported. Her marriage did not last and after an abusive relationship, Holly became depressed and suffered a nervous breakdown, which is when the alcohol addiction began. 

While it has been a challenging time for Holly, she is grateful to be in St. Vincent de Paul's Ozanam Manor, where she feels welcomed, loved and cared for. Holly was impressed that the Society had all of the supplies needed to make her feel at home.