Chicago VAs partner for another successful Veteran Stand Down
Veterans lined up outside Gen. Richard L. Jones National Guard Armory as early as 5 a.m. on July 12, waiting to get into the Chicago Summer Stand Down.
The event, held every summer and winter is organized by a committee of VA staff, local nonprofits, and area agencies with Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center leading the committee.
“For three decades, we’ve come together to aid our Chicago Veterans with the Winter and Summer Stand Downs,” said Donald Donahue, Hines VA social worker and co-organizer. “Our goal is to get Veterans the resources they need through the summer and beyond.”
Almost 400 unhoused, housing-insecure and in-need Veterans received services, including housing assistance, medical services, vision checks and free eyeglasses, employment and financial assistance, food and clothing.
Marine Corps Veteran Michael Richard used to attend stand downs in the suburbs but stopped going over 15 years ago after they moved into the city. In 2021, that all changed.
“I took care of my mom. She watched me take my first breath; I watched her take her last. I took care of her,” he said. “After that, I really started putting emphasis on taking care of myself. Anytime, when I hear about the stand down, I try to make it.”
Veterans shared various reasons for attending the event including collecting information for themselves and others and the camaraderie.
“I generally try to come out to Veterans events just to see what’s going on, what’s current, stay up to date and find resources to help somebody else,” said Army Veteran Mel Carter. “Generally, when I come out, I almost always meet somebody who has a resource or can use a resource.”
Many Veteran attendees made fast friends with attendees they’d never met or rediscovered old ones.
Carter met another Army Veteran and an Air Force Veteran and continued to compare notes and venture through the event offerings.
Richard had a chance encounter with a former coworker from Jesse Brown’s food pantry.
“We just saw each other for the first time in five or six years, and it’s a blessing,” said Richard.
The more than 200 stand downs held nationwide are part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ effort to house Veterans across the United States. Nationally, VA housed 46,552 Veterans in 2023.
Veterans needing housing assistance, or citizens who see a homeless Veteran, can call Hines VA Hospital at 708-202-4961. A social worker can be dispatched within one business day.