LOS ANGELES (September 2026) — Navy veteran Gary Davis found a path from unsafe housing following the Eaton Fire to permanent housing at the Pasadena Hope Center with support from fellow Navy veteran Brock Milhorn, a Squad Leader/Peer Coordinator with the Veteran Peer Access Network, Supervisorial District 5 – Jobs.Vision.Success Southern California (VPAN SD5 – JVS SoCal).
Reflecting on the impact of the fire, Davis said, “It was too hard for me at one time. I was really stressed.”
Milhorn first connected with Davis after learning about the conditions he was facing in his home, which had been affected by smoke and high winds from the Eaton Fire. With support from Milhorn and partner organizations, Davis was connected with building code enforcement, Supportive Services for Veteran Families and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. Throughout the process, Milhorn remained involved and helped Davis navigate the steps toward permanent housing.
“He stayed with me; he was on his job,” Davis said about Milhorn.
Milhorn also helped provide new clothing and household items as Davis began rebuilding his life in his new home.
“Gary and I share a special bond as we’re both Navy veterans and both served on the USS Kitty Hawk,” Milhorn said.
The two veterans’ shared military background reflects VPAN’s veteran-to-veteran approach, giving Davis the opportunity to work with someone who understands the experience of military service and the importance of supporting fellow veterans.
When Davis was finally able to move into his new home, he said he felt grateful for the opportunity. “I was happy and I was blessed,” he said.
Now that he has a safe and stable place to live, Davis is focused on moving forward and rebuilding his routine. He encouraged other veterans facing challenges to remain patient, accept support and continue taking steps toward a better situation.
“Don’t lose faith,” Davis said. “Everything takes time and patience; you got to go through the process. Everybody has to go through the process.”
Looking ahead, Milhorn said, “He still has a way to go to get service connected, but now that he has a place where he can feel safe and comfortable, he can work on prioritizing his physical and mental health and take advantage of the many VA benefits available to him.”
Through peer-based support and coordinated services, VPAN helps veterans navigate challenges and connect with resources that support stability and well-being.
Veterans in Los Angeles County experiencing housing instability can access housing navigation and supportive services through Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Homeless Services and the Veteran Peer Access Network by visiting https://mva.lacounty.gov/contact-us/.
For 24/7 access to housing resources and supportive services, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838, or 211 LA County.
Story by Layla Romero, Public Information Staff Assistant, Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Photos Courtesy of Brock Milhorn, Squad Leader, Veteran Peer Access Network, Supervisorial District 5 – Jobs.Vision.Success Southern California.
