Standing up to Veteran homelessness by standing down

Standing up to Veteran homelessness by standing down

02.19.13  /Matt Kinshella  / *211*

Veterans Stand Downs have been a part of this county's landscape since 1988 and they remain one of the most valuable series of events for homeless veterans. 

Last week we wrote about more than 15,000 jobless veterans in Oregon. That reality is shameful enough. However the staggering numbers of homeless veterans and former military personnel demand action. 

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans states:

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 62,619 veterans are homeless on any given night [Nationally]. Over the course of a year, approximately twice that many experience homelessness. Only 7% of the general population can claim veteran status, but nearly 13% of the homeless adult population are veterans.

About 1.4 million other veterans, meanwhile, are considered at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.

At 211info we recently launched a military and veterans program so we can play our part in addressing this issue. And we are certainly glad to have Veterans Stand Downs to refer people to. 

Upcoming event

Active duty, National Guard and recent returnees are welcome at the Columbia County Veterans stand down. 

Saturday February 23, 2013
“St. Helens Olde School”
From 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
251 Saint Helens Street, St. Helens, OR 97051