In Raleigh, the police are helping veterans through the ACORNS unit. Officer W.R. Jackson, a 14-year veteran and former Army serviceman, works with Whitney Thomas from the Durham VA Health Care System to assist homeless veterans like 67-year-old Army vet Thomas Matthews in finding stability and care.

According to the City of Raleigh release, every week, Jackson and Thomas visit downtown Raleigh's soup kitchens and busy areas, aiming to help homeless veterans by assisting them in getting VA documents and identification cards, which unlock crucial benefits like substance use and mental health counseling. "It’s the best feeling in the world knowing we are helping them," Thomas said in a statement.

The initiative goes beyond outreach; it acknowledges the sacrifices made by veterans and the complex bureaucracy that often leaves them struggling. Jackson, who understands the military experience but never saw combat, said, "Even though I served in the Army, I was never deployed into combat. Some of these people left a lot more on the field that I ever did and they deserve our help," he shared in an interview.

Jackson estimates that each day, they connect with 5-10 veterans, offering support and guidance to combat the loneliness and harsh realities of life on the streets. Michelle Lofton, an Army veteran experiencing homelessness, found comfort in their help, saying, “I was in distress. But, when I saw the van and talked with Jackson all I could think was thank you, Jesus!” according to the City of Raleigh's website.