The VA Sierra Nevada Health Systems is holding their annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down. During this event they hand out supplies veterans may need during the colder months.
Christopher Stadter, the Supervisor Health Care for Homeless Veterans says they give the homeless veterans everything from food, water and warm clothes to tents and sleeping bags.
They also connect them with a plethora of resources such as physical and mental health, vaccinations and housing resources.
Stadter says, "This event and all of the services we provide all over the VA homeless program has made a big difference in helping veterans lives. Just this past fiscal year from the beginning of October to currently, we’ve changed the lives of 303 veterans - getting them off the streets and into permanent housing."
He says the event grows steadily each year. He also mentions on their name list they have over 100 veterans who are homeless, but that they help out each year.
Larry Hunt, an Army Veteran, says they've always been good to him and the VA is helping him with housing. He told us he will be moving into a place before winter.
Hunt shares with us, "The VA is providing me with section eight, and I’ve been approved for an apartment. Now I’m waiting for the inspection and I’ll be moving into a studio possibly next week.”
He mentions, "Capitol Hill has always been great to me; and now they’re giving out shoes, clothes, bags and a lot of information as well and you can’t go wrong."
Patrick Blackburn, another Army Veteran said 20 years ago he attended a Stand Down event and it helped him a lot. He told us the VA helped him get a pension he didn't realize he was entitled to, and they got him access to surgeries to help him with his heart health.
Blackburn shared, "I get VA healthcare and I’m 76, so I have lots of issues but they fixed most of them. Three heart surgeries and I now have the heart I’d say of a 60 year old boy. When I say that people think I got a heart transplant but no, it’s just a strong heart now."
He also says the event is a place where veterans can get together and chat, like a social event.
He says, "I’ve been here before and I liked it, so I came back here not knowing how good the VA is here. And I don’t know why it’s better here than anywhere else but it seems to be.”
The community can help by reaching out to (775) 786-7200; they're always looking for donations and assistance.
