The Annual Stand Down for Veterans, sponsored by the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and the City of Houston, provides Veterans with the opportunity to access a broad spectrum of services and assistance in one convenient location.
WHAT: Annual Veterans Stand Down
Sponsored by the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and the City of Houston, the Annual Veterans Stand Down provides a broad spectrum of services, resources, and assistance in one convenient location. It also gives Veterans who may be homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless help to create a plan to transition or stay out of homelessness permanently.
WHEN: Friday, October 18, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: The Zone, 10371 Stella Link Rd, Houston, 77025
MEDIA: Media are welcome to attend this event. The official program begins at 9 a.m. and includes remarks from Houston’s Mayor and other elected officials.
BACKGROUND:
Available assistance and resources at this event include housing, VA health care benefits, education, employment opportunities, legal assistance, transportation, hygiene products, clothing, food, dental services, haircuts, furniture, family services, and more.
“We have been working hard to support and care for the growing number of Veterans receiving care from our health care system,” said Frank Vazquez, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center director. “This year, we opened a new Community Resource and Referral Center dedicated to assisting Veterans with housing challenges. In addition, just a few months ago, we opened a new Domiciliary that offers residential treatment for Veterans.”
“Stand Down” is military terminology referring to the brief period of time a soldier leaves an active combat area in order to rest and regain strength. Stand Downs are just one initiative by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and community organizations to bring a wide range of specialized resources together to provide Veterans in need with comprehensive medical and psychosocial services.
The Greater Houston area is home to more than 300,000 Veterans, the second largest Veteran population in the United States. The Houston VA cares for a growing population of more than 131,000 Veterans, with women Veterans being the fastest growing population of Veterans served.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to ending homelessness among Veterans with a threefold focus:
- Conducting coordinated outreach to proactively seek out Veterans in need of assistance.
- Connecting homeless and at-risk Veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment servicesand other required supports.
- Collaborating with federal, state and local agencies; employers; housing providers, faith-based and community nonprofits; and others to expand employment and affordable housing options for Veterans exiting homelessness.
“The words “homeless” and “Veteran” should not exist together,” said Vazquez. “VA is committed to ending homelessness among Veterans because it is our nation’s duty to ensure all Veterans have a place to call home.”
Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for immediate assistance.
