Bruce Rogers has always had a deep connection to rhythm—whether through the sounds of jazz, R&B, or the steady beat of life that’s taken him from Greensboro, NC to a peaceful home at Maple Court in Durham. Now 53, Bruce reflects on the journey that’s shaped him. From private school to the Navy to moments of homelessness, and how he’s finally found stability, community, and peace thanks to Volunteers of America.
Bruce was just 17 when he enlisted in the military. A recruiter in Smyrna, Georgia saw promise in him, and his ASVAB scores landed him a role in the Navy’s engineering department.
“That was a Monday. By Friday, I was in Great Lakes, Illinois.” – Bruce
He served from 1989 to 1993 as a boiler operator aboard the USS Suribachi, completing two major deployments during the Gulf War. His military service took him around the world—to Spain, France, Italy, and even Jerusalem, where he visited the Wailing Wall and saw what many believe to be the footprints of Jesus.
But after returning home, Bruce faced a reality many veterans know too well: the difficulty of transitioning back to civilian life.
“It’s something I still can’t really comprehend… and I’ve been out for over 30 years.” – Bruce
After leaving the Navy, Bruce returned to Greensboro. He found work at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and later University of North Carolina Greensboro. But mounting grief from the loss of two uncles, untreated PTSD, and challenges with housing stability led to a period of deep depression.
“I was homeless, but you wouldn’t know it. I wasn’t on the street. I was bouncing from place to place, staying with people, but never really with myself.” – Bruce
That instability eventually led him to reconnect with his father, who offered Bruce a place to stay. But financial hardship followed, including unpaid utility bills, a devastating house fire, and ultimately, more time in shelters.
“I had a friend working in the shelter who told me to go to Durham. He said I could stay longer there, and that the VA was close by.” – Bruce
That leap of faith changed everything. In 2008, Bruce moved to Durham and connected with VA services and the HUD-VASH program for veterans. With the help of a voucher and case management support, Bruce secured an apartment at Eagle Point, where he stayed for nearly a decade.
But while Eagle Point gave Bruce a roof over his head, it came with years of physical maintenance issues, health hazards, and unlivable conditions. From mold and collapsing ceilings to plumbing problems that left his home flooded with sewage.
“You wouldn’t believe what I went through there. It was supposed to be my safe place, but it was anything but that.” – Bruce
Over time, Bruce knew he needed a change. But with limited options, he wasn’t sure where to turn. That’s when he learned about Volunteers of America and our Maple Court Veteran Apartments, a permanent supportive housing program for veterans. He applied, moved in, and instantly felt the difference.
Today, Bruce calls Maple Court home, and he couldn’t be more grateful.
“What I enjoy most about Maple Court is the respect factor and the peace. It’s quiet, it’s calm, and we’re all veterans. There’s an automatic connection. No drama, just brothers in arms. We’ve got a pond, geese walking around, and real community. That’s rare.” – Bruce
For Bruce, the difference isn’t just in the physical space, it’s in the dignity he’s been given.
“Being homeless isn’t just about not having a home, it’s not having a lease in your name, not having something of your own. Now, I do. And I have my music, my walks, and a place that feels like mine.” – Bruce
Thanks to the support of programs like Maple Court, Bruce has been able to focus on his well-being, maintain his housing through disability benefits, and reconnect with the things that bring him joy.
“I’ve never told my full story before, not like this. But if it helps someone else, then it’s worth it.” – Bruce
To learn more about our Maple Court program in Durham, NC, visit: www.voachesapeake.org/maple-court.