A New Beginning for an Army Veteran

Editor's note: Recognizable names and details in this story have been changed to protect the identity of this client.

Late last year, Dustin and his chihuahua Roz drove their home of three years—a trusty Dodge truck—into Walla Walla. The two stopped by BMAC’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) office after being referred to the program by regional SSVF outreach staff.

Dustin, a Vietnam War–era Army veteran, qualified for SSVF services, which include assistance accessing VA benefits, housing, case management, and legal services. Primarily a Homeless Prevention program, SSVF’s priority was securing housing for Dustin and Roz. But what loomed heaviest over Dustin was navigating his overwhelming legal financial obligations (LFOs).

Since the late 90s, Dustin had been making steady minimum payments on those LFOs, but monthly interest accrued faster than he could keep up. By the time he arrived in Walla Walla, even though he’d paid a total far surpassing the original fine amounts, his balance had ballooned to more than $120,000 due to interest. Dustin worried that without help, he could lose his truck—and with it, his and Roz’s only shelter. And with LFOs on his record, he was barred from accessing housing stability.

"I know I won't be able to pay this off in my lifetime," said Dustin. "So, you think a million different thoughts, and you think about every worst possible situation, and it just plagues you year after year."

Step One: Housing Stability

An equity-driven program with a Housing First approach, SSVF prioritized getting Dustin and Roz into safe, stable housing. By mid-January, the team had helped secure his first apartment in three years.

Step Two: Legal Support and LFO Relief

Next, SSVF referred Dustin to BMAC’s Pro Bono Legal Services. There, staff began advocating on his behalf to resolve the complex tangle of fines, fees, and crushing interest that had followed him for nearly three decades.

LFOs encompass various financial burdens, including fines, court costs, assessments, and restitution. This could be anything from the cost of a Public Defender to fees associated with the collection of DNA.

Here’s how the team collaborated with legal professionals statewide to help Dustin:

Since a large percentage of his remaining balance was interest, two Petitions to Waive Interest were filed and granted in full by the court. And finally, what remained of the fines and fees (restitution due to an insurance company) was also waived thanks to changes in state law.

As a result, by early March, Dustin’s LFO balance—previously a hopeless situation—was officially $0.

Navigating each stage of this detailed and methodical legal process was all possible through persistent advocacy from BMAC’s Pro Bono team and Dustin’s unwavering resilience.

“For 29 years, I’ve sweated over those LFOs,” said Dustin, “… In these last months, you folks have done for me what I thought impossible. I’m so grateful words cannot explain!”

Now, with housing secured and financial burdens lifted, Dustin can finally move toward thriving, not just surviving. A new phase of peace, dignity, and stability awaits him and Roz, well-earned after years of service to this country.