Washington DC VA Medical Center’s Winter Haven Homeless Veterans Stand-down:
Department Second Vice Commander Billie Ainsworth, MS Barbara Pittman and I supported the Winter Haven Stand Down. More than 700 Veterans Receive the Gift of Hope at Washington DC VA Medical Center’s winter haven Homeless Veterans Stand-down. The Washington DC VA Medical Center’s winter haven event saw record numbers of homeless, at-risk and underemployed Veterans. They attended the 21st annual winter haven Homeless stand down to receive one-on-one assistance with health care, benefits, employment and housing. The event also offered comprehensive women’s health care to 86 female Veterans. On January 24th, many received something they didn’t expect, hope. VA Secretary Bob McDonald and Interim Under Secretary for Health Carolyn Clancy joined medical center administrators, employees and volunteers for the event.
Winter haven is a true community effort. At least 500 Volunteers, including 100 active duty service members, were on-hand doing everything from giving directions and serving hot meals, to counseling Veterans on avoiding foreclosure and HIV infection. With over 60 agencies and community partners on-site, Veterans received the resources needed to propel them forward. Area employers participated in a mini-job fair, offering on-site access to job opportunities. Numerous Veteran Service Organizations, businesses and state and local agencies joined forces for the day to provide one-stop access to necessary services such as housing, tax preparing assistance and haircuts.
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