A Veterans Stand Down Event will be put on by Racine/Kenosha Veterans Services on Nov. 10 and Racine’s Lakefront YMCA.
The event gives homeless Veterans the opportunity to come together for camaraderie, food, clothing, as well as medical, dental and other services. Veterans are provided access to community resources to rebuild their lives. At the event, they can connect with other Veterans, Veterans organizations volunteers and service providers.
The Veterans Services offices help Veterans and their families apply for a wide array of state and federal benefits. Covering a broad spectrum from home loans to burial allowances, the offices provide not only the necessary forms, but also advice and direction in navigating the process. According to a Racine/Kenosha Veterans Services spokesperson: “As we pride ourselves in serving the veteran community, it is wonderful to feel the support of the community as well.”
Where: Lakefront YMCA, 725 Lake Ave., Racine
When: Nov. 10
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Why the HUD secretary says the increase in homeless veterans is concerning
Demographics of homeless Veterans
• 11% of the homeless adult population are veterans
• 20% of the male homeless population are veterans
• 68% reside in principal cities
• 32% reside in suburban/rural areas
• 51% of individual homeless veterans have disabilities
• 50% have serious mental illness
• 70% have substance abuse problems
• 57% are white males, compared to 38% of non-veterans
• 50% are age 51 or older, compared to 19% non-veterans
Source: National Coalition for Homeless Veterans