Pennyroyal Veterans Case Managers Share Insights on Homelessness

Veteran case workers at the Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky open up about the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 1:20am

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Veteran case managers Megan West and Justin Lawrence at the Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky share their experiences working with homeless veterans. They discuss the common reasons for veteran homelessness, including addiction, lost pathways, poor choices, sudden loss of income, and mental health struggles. The case managers work to help veterans file disability claims, access social services, and develop skills for long-term employment and housing stability.

Why it matters

Veteran homelessness remains a persistent issue, with many former service members struggling to adapt to civilian life. The insights from these case managers shed light on the complex challenges veterans face and the critical role organizations like the Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center play in supporting this vulnerable population.

The details

Megan West, a veteran herself, can manage up to 20 cases at a time, meeting with clients multiple times per week. She helps veterans navigate the process of filing disability claims, accessing social services, and developing financial literacy and job skills. Justin Lawrence, a Purple Heart recipient, got into case management after his own lengthy treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He emphasizes the importance of helping veterans achieve self-actualization, independence, and build positive relationships in their communities.

  • Megan West has been working as a case manager at the Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center.
  • Justin Lawrence joined the Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center after completing an internship through Austin Peay State University and the Tennessee Veteran's home.

The players

Megan West

A veteran who currently manages over a dozen cases as a case manager at the Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center.

Justin Lawrence

A Purple Heart recipient who became a case manager at the Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center after his own lengthy treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Jeff Broadbent

The executive director of the Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center.

Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center

A veterans organization in Hopkinsville, Kentucky that provides a homeless shelter and case management services for former service members.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing clients aged 22 until their late 70's, she said some have been in the system 'a long time,' but it doesn't change the needs.”

— Megan West, Case Manager

“Success at the PRVC, he said, looks like self-actualization, independence, signing a lease, getting a job and eventually building positive relationships in whatever community in which the veteran wishes to settle.”

— Justin Lawrence, Case Manager

What’s next

The Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center continues to advocate for more affordable housing options and increased funding for programs that support homeless veterans in the Hopkinsville area.

The takeaway

The insights from these veteran case managers highlight the complex challenges former service members face when transitioning to civilian life, and the critical role that organizations like the Pennyroyal Regional Veterans Center play in providing vital support and resources to help get veterans back on their feet.