Celebrating Tony on Veterans Day
Tony Hinson is a survivor. He is lionhearted and resilient, and he has come a long way despite all the trials and tribulations he endured after serving our country.
Tony was the fourth of eight siblings raised in a single-parent household in Hackensack, New Jersey. His father passed away when he was just five years old. He had a dysfunctional upbringing, where he witnessed domestic violence at home and two friends being beaten to death. Drugs and alcohol were introduced to Tony in his teenage years. Still, Tony was able to graduate high school and shortly after, enlisted in the Army Reserve.
Four years later, Tony left the army with an honorable discharge. He went on to study business administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University but was expelled for selling drugs.
Tony reported that his drug use limited his ability to “get things done” and “focus on handling things.” He experienced a revolving door of entering detoxes, shelters, and hospitals, only to be released into the same circumstances he tried to overcome.
Eventually, Tony had no where else to go and experienced homelessness, which is unfortunately common for veterans. Over 33,000 Americans who return from their service come back only to experience homelessness. 11% of homeless adults are veterans, 51% of homeless veterans have serious physical and mental health illnesses, and 70% have substance abuse problems.
Over the years, Tony has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar 1, and multiple substance abuse disorders.
He lived on the streets and in the woods in makeshift shelters. Violence and unpredictability became the norm as he described not only fighting off people, but also animals, which he felt to be “one and the same.”
But his life turned around when he moved into Muller Residences on September 28, 2021 after staying at Pyramid Safe Haven, a temporary shelter for chronically street homeless adults. At first, he was upset; upset at the broken system and the unfairness of his life.
However, even through his frustration and hidden behind sunglasses, The Doe Fund saw someone tired. Tired of struggling and being invisible.
Now, a year later, Tony’s life has improved significantly. He has overcome homelessness and addiction and has set goals for himself, including maintaining optimal physical and mental health, and obtaining his CDL license. He is also working on becoming a Peer Specialist.
Upon reflection of his life and the last few years, Tony says he wants his story to be heard. “I faced unsafe conditions, danger, and assaults just because I was homeless. And more so because I was black! Now, because of The Doe Fund I am safe.”
With over 50 units reserved for formerly homeless military veterans at Muller Residences, Tony now has a community that understands his struggles and the comprehensive case management, health care, and critical services he needs.
Since moving into Muller Residence, Tony has achieved independence. He has a place to bring friends. A place to meet with his psychiatrist, Dr. Huh on a weekly basis, and a place to meet with his Intensive Mobile Treatment Team. He has a place where he can enjoy his love of writing, and read in peace and solitude.
