Homeless vets receive guidance, basic essentials at Stand Down

By Spc. Joseph K VonNida, Colorado National Guard 

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (10/4/10) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Denver Regional Office hosted the 20th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down at the Colorado Army National Guard’s Armory in Denver Nov. 4.  

This Stand Down was part of a nationwide effort that offers many services and basic essentials to homeless veterans, most of whom are struggling and on the edge of being completely homeless – if they aren’t already. More than 500 homeless veterans attended the event in Denver to take advantage of the services being offered. 

Stand Down is a military term that means a temporary stop of offensive military action.  Homeless Stand Downs are designed to transform the despair and immobility of homelessness into the momentum necessary to begin recovery by helping homeless veterans resolve legal issues, seek employment, access health services and benefits, reconnect with the community and acquire  housing.

 Veterans were offered clothing items, boots, free flu shots, haircuts, eye glass repair and a hot meal.  Nine officers from the Denver Sheriff’s Department provided security, and Verizon Wireless donated phone lines. The use of the armory was donated by the COARNG.  

Veterans of Foreign Wars members kicked off the event at 8 a.m. with a presentation of the colors. 

COARNG State Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Linda Blincoe and COARNG State Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Lousberg greeted the Veterans seeking help. 

“There’s a lot of hard work that goes into setting up this event. I give kudos to the organizations and people coming there and the way they provide help to those less fortunate individuals,” said Blincoe.

 “I like the things we’re doing to get them the help we are able to provide,” said Lousberg. “I especially love the reaction to those getting their hair cut. … Some walk in with their heads down and you know they’re struggling, but when they walk out they’re holding their heads are up and you know that their dignity and self respect has returned.” 

The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam veterans in San Diego. Since then, Stand Downs have been used as an effective tool in reaching out to homeless veterans and their families nationwide.

 The VA Medical Center, Denver VA Regional Office (benefits), VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services, and many other veterans’ service organizations had booths to provide information and assist to the veterans. Housing referrals and legal services were also available. 

Word of the event is spread by VA volunteers who visit local shelters with handouts and talk to the coordinators there. Local VA medical centers have outreach programs and word of mouth spreads on the street.

 According to Rebecca Sawyer Smith, VA public affairs officer, it is estimated that programs like these have contributed to a 57 percent decrease in the number of homeless veterans. In 2003, there were an estimated 250,000 homeless veterans nationwide and by 2009, the number decreased to 107,000, she said.