Veterans who have fallen on hard times received some help Saturday through the Boise VA Medical Center. Operation Stand Down aims to help homeless veterans get back on their feet. Over 100 homeless and impoverished veterans got a hot meal, clothing, medical screenings and more. Staff also helped them find jobs and housing.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there were close to 40,000 homeless veterans in the United States in 2016. While that number is down compared to previous years, organizers say there is still work to be done. Community organizations like the Idaho Food Bank and others helped provide the services to the veterans. With colder weather on its way, they wanted to make sure everyone is ready for the winter.
“Every year we struggle in helping our guys and gals access these kinds of resources for help and a lot of times it's hard to get all in one place. And so were able to get it together at one place for one day it's been going for darn near 30 years now it seems like and so people come to expect it now what have,” said John Porch of the Boise Homeless Stand Down.
Organizers say they are in need of donations for bus passes here in the Treasure Valley. If you want to help out visit the Boise VA clinic's website.
