Stand Downs for homeless veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs has been working hard to meet its goal of eliminating veteran homelessness by the end of fiscal year 2015 and getting veterans into permanent and stable housing, but the need is still great.

Depending on the statistics you read, the number of homeless veterans is either going up, or down, or the veterans are moving to other locations, altering the count. In any event, there still are too many veterans on the street. You can help by stepping forward and participating in a Stand Down.

Stand Downs span a variety of services. There are three- and four-day events with shelter, one- or two-day resource fairs, health fairs and job fairs. Services can range from referrals for employment, substance-abuse treatment, health care and housing, to food, shelter, legal help, dental services and clothing. Veterans also can get counseling and help with benefits and Social Security.

To participate individually, go online to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (nchv.org) and look under Service Providers.

To host a Stand Down with your veterans service group, go to the same website and read the guide and overview. Be sure your event is listed there as well as on the VA site at va.gov/homeless.

If you're a veteran seeking services from a Stand Down event, call 202-461-1857 to find out when one will be in your area.

If you're a homeless veteran (or are about to be homeless) call 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for help. If you have a computer (or can use one at the library), see va.gov/homeless for more information.

(c) 2015 King Features Synd. Inc.