On a quiet January morning, Navy veteran Michael Osborn, a former resident of St. Vincent de Paul’s Ozanam Manor transitional shelter, turned the key to his new apartment. As the door opened, Michael could already feel the warmth of a home, one he had been aspiring to for a while. The one-bedroom space was simple but peaceful, with a small kitchen and cozy living room. Stepping inside, Michael knew he was walking into a new beginning.
His journey to stability had taken him through heartbreak, medical challenges, and homelessness, but in the end he found hope and a fresh start at SVdP.
Long before finding his footing in Arizona, Michael had already learned how to push through tough times in the U.S. Navy. At just 18, he completed boot camp in Illinois and advanced aviation training in New Jersey. He became an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, responsible for maintaining powerful flight deck systems that launched and recovered aircraft on an aircraft carrier.
He later served on the USS Abraham Lincoln as part of its original crew, and in 1989 became a proud “plank owner,” a title reserved for the ship’s original crew.
“My name’s on that plaque with all the others,” Michael said proudly. “That’s something no one can take away.”
After four years of service, Michael transitioned to civilian life, built a life in Arizona with his girlfriend at the time, and worked in plumbing supply and logistics where he earned the name “Mechanical Mike,” because of his skills in mechanics and discipline learned during his time in the Navy.
But one day, a series of heart and vascular problems left him on a walker and unable to work. Suddenly everything changed.
“I hated it,” Michael said. “That’s not me. I’ve always had at least two jobs, and suddenly I couldn’t even work.”
He lost his income and his 16-year relationship ended. He lost his home and for a while, he stayed at a veterans’ shelter in Phoenix, but he had to give it up due to an extended hospital stay for heart surgery costing him his bed. Still, his resilience kept him grounded.
“Adjust, adapt, and overcome. That’s what they teach you in boot camp,” he said.
Soon after, Michael was referred to Ozanam Manor, SVdP’s shelter for veterans, older adults, and those living with disabilities.
“It was a blessing,” he said. “You have people who know what they’re doing, and if you put in the effort, they’ll help you find your way.”
At SVdP, Michael worked closely with his case manager, who helped him apply for a bus pass, connect to medical care, and begin the search for permanent housing. Within months, he was approved for a supportive housing program that would cover his rent for two years —they even helped furnish his apartment.
“When Michael came in, he had health difficulties, but little by little he made a huge transformation,” said case manager, Stephanie Wise. “He took advantage of every resource we offered and got things done.”
It wasn’t long until he found an apartment, and quickly it was move-in day and Michael was excited to start fresh.
“The best feeling is when they take that picture of you,” Michael said, smiling. “They put it on the ‘wall of fame,’ and you hold your keys up. Makes you feel like you made it.”
Through every obstacle, Michael says his military roots have guided him.
“In the Navy, they teach you to adapt and overcome,” he said. “That’s what I’ve done my whole life. And I’m still standing.”
Today, Michael wakes up every morning feeling grateful for his apartment and hopeful for the future. He keeps up with VA appointments, checks in monthly with his caseworker. He enjoys the simple comfort of calling somewhere home again, having a couch and TV to enjoy his favorite shows, and most importantly, the privacy and freedom found in his new home.
( Michael's story also made it to ABC15 in their segment Uplifting Arizona. Watch his story of hope .)
