Homeless, struggling vets receive assistance
The Homeless Stand-Down this weekend in Des Moines provides vital refuge for Iowa veterans who protected their nation but have struggled after returning home, organizers said.
Veterans, some with children at their side, pulled carts and baskets Saturday amid Army-green tents. The tents had supplies including food, cellphones, haircuts and clothes. Veterans also could meet with debt managers, bankers and health care workers.
Kimberly Neal, chairwoman for the Homeless Veteran Stand-Down committee, said organizers have strived for over 20 years to not only help veterans, but also raise awareness about the struggles they can face.
When youre down, things dont look too good, Neal said.
At the Stand-Down event, surrounded by other veterans, people are more likely to reach out and ask for help and overcome a tendency toward self-reliance, Neal said.
You see them being around other veterans, and it really does make a difference, she said.
Crowds can be another stressor for veterans struggling with mental illnesses, post-traumatic stress disorder or substance abuse.
Lots of them stay behind the scenes. Out of sight, out of mind, said Danny Matthews, an Army veteran who fought in the Vietnam War.
Allen Burney, who served with the Marines in Vietnam, said he was homeless for eight months after returning from war. Now that hes on his feet again, hes volunteering to assist others like him.
One thing that would combat homelessness, he said, would be the government handling veterans claims for assistance more expeditiously.
Ive been claiming for 10 years, Burney said. It can cause mental problems and homelessness.
They shouldnt be where theyre at, said William Farley, another Vietnam War veteran. I think we should be doing more to help people.
This Homeless Stand-Down concludes from 8 a.m. to noon on the east side of the State Capitol grounds. More information is available on the events Facebook page. Neal said volunteers were doing everything they could to make life easier and more comfortable for struggling veterans, especially as winter approaches.
You can make it through, and you can get the services you need, she said.
called for Iowas homeless and impoverished veteran population to step back from the stressors and challenges they face everyday, and seek refuge during an annual three-day event at the Iowa State Capitol grounds.
Polk County Veteran Affairs prepares for Homeless Stand-Down set for September 5 7.
DES MOINES, Iowa September 2 Polk County Veteran Affairs will be participating in the Homeless Stand-Down that will take place this weekend on the east side of the Iowa State Capitol grounds. This event is open to all homeless or anyone at-risk of being homeless. Sleeping tents for men and women will be provided throughout the weekend as well as other essential services being provided by Polk County Veteran Affairs, Veterans Administration Medical Center, the Homeless Veteran Stand-Down Committee, Veterans Benefits Administration, State of Iowa, United Way, local churches and service organizations. The event will be open to homeless individuals and those at risk of becoming homeless Friday, September 5, 5:00-8:00pm; Saturday, September 6, 8:00am-8:00pm; and Sunday, September 7, 8:00am-12:00pm.
The Homeless Stand-Down is an important event for our community. It provides a way for us to bring to the forefront the issues of homelessness while providing needed services to those who are homeless or are at-risk of becoming homeless, stated Polk County Veteran Affairs Board Chair Mike Scione.
Services will include: flu shots for eligible Veterans; free haircuts; assistance in filing compensation or pension claims; health assessments from VA Medical and Primary Health Care; free cell phone application assistance; housing and shelter assistance from Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS); legal consultations with Drake Law Center, the 5th Judicial Department of Corrections Probation, a U.S. District Court Judge and an attorney; and assistance with employment needs from Iowa Workforce Development. A Military Chaplain will be on site throughout the weekend.
Polk County Veteran Affairs will assist Polk County Veterans who are budget eligible for financial assistance for food or shelter needs. The event has been wildly successful because of the generous donations from community members and the many service organizations that participate, stated Mr. Scione, Board Chair of Polk County Veteran Affairs. He added, we want this to be a fun event where people can get hot meals, enjoy live entertainment and BINGO and most importantly provide a safe environment for individuals who are at risk of homelessness to make meaningful connections with the many service organizations in our community who can help them.
Free transportation to and from the stand-down will be available beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday and during operational hours, as well as transportation from the stand-down to CISS for those wishing to use shower facilities.
Call 515-669-8637 to arrange transportation. For additional information go to https://www.facebook.com/VaCentralIowaHomelessVeteransStandDown?ref=br_tf#!/VaCentralIowaHomelessVeteransStandDown/
Tags: Veterans News
