From One Veteran to 1,000: The Story Behind Village for Vets | Marcie Polier Swartz

What happens when helping one veteran becomes a mission to help thousands? On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with Marcie Polier Swartz, founder of Village for Vets, and her brother, Brad Zalben, a U.S. Navy veteran whose personal journey inspired the organization. Brad served in the Navy from 1992–1999 as a Seabee, trained in welding and construction. After his honorable discharge, he faced challenges that eventually required treatment and support. Marcie stood beside him as he navigated the VA healthcare system—sometimes literally walking into appointments holding hands because of the fear and mistrust they both felt. What they ultimately discovered changed both of their lives. Marcie wanted to use what she had learned to help other veterans. In 2016, the successful entrepreneur and entertainment-industry pioneer founded Village for Vets, working alongside the Greater Los Angeles VA and other partners to help vulnerable veterans move from homelessness toward stability and permanent housing. Since its founding, Village for Vets has helped house more than 1,000 veterans, and in 2026 the organization has been operating at a pace of approximately one veteran housed every day. Montel, Marcie and Brad discuss the realities of transitioning from military to civilian life, why some veterans are afraid to seek help, the strengths and shortcomings of the VA system, the gaps that can prevent veterans from getting housed, and why simply putting a roof over someone's head isn't the end of the journey. Marcie also explains the importance of Village for Vets' Emergency Fund, which allows the organization to step in when traditional grants and government programs can't cover the final needs standing between a veteran and permanent housing. This is a conversation about veteran homelessness—but it's also about family, trust, persistence and the difference one person can make by refusing to let someone fall through the cracks. Learn more and support Village for Vets: villageforvets.org Subscribe to Free Thinking with Montel for more conversations about health, veterans, leadership, innovation and the issues that impact our lives.