G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center Holds Annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans
In a powerful display of community unity and support for those who have served, the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center hosted its annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans on Friday, September 27, 2024, at The Salvation Army in Jackson, Mississippi.
This year’s Stand Down, part of a national initiative to combat Veteran homelessness, focused on providing immediate assistance to Veterans in need, including housing support, employment resources, medical care, and more. Dozens of community partners and volunteers contributed, ensuring that Veterans had access to the comprehensive help required to regain stability. Attendees were also treated to a warm meal, fostering a sense of connection and community throughout the event.
“Stand Down for Homeless Veterans represents our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our Veterans,” said Kimberly Moore, Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program Coordinator. “By uniting community partners, we can provide the comprehensive support and resources that our heroes deserve. We believe that no Veteran should be without a stable home, and this event is a crucial step in achieving that goal.”
For many Veterans, the Stand Down served as more than just an opportunity to receive services—it was a chance to build camaraderie with fellow Veterans and connect with local community members who are passionate about their well-being. The event highlighted the essential role of partnerships in addressing the needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness.
The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to Veteran homelessness has shown remarkable success. This fiscal year alone, the Medical Center has permanently housed 202 Veterans, surpassing its initial goal of 151. Furthermore, 94.1% of these Veterans have not returned to homelessness, reflecting the effectiveness of the VA’s “Housing First” approach. This strategy prioritizes placing Veterans in stable housing and then connecting them with essential wraparound services, such as healthcare, job training, and legal assistance.
“Veterans deserve not just a roof over their heads, but the resources and support to build stable, fulfilling lives,” Moore emphasized. “By bringing community members together for the Stand Down, we take a critical step forward in fulfilling that promise.”
As part of the broader national effort, VA staff and their partners are working tirelessly every day to provide permanent housing solutions for Veterans, often utilizing rental subsidies and even helping reconnect Veterans with family and friends.
The 2024 Stand Down for Homeless Veterans demonstrated the incredible impact that community partnerships can have in changing lives and reaffirmed the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center’s ongoing mission to ensure that no Veteran is left behind. To learn more about the VA’s initiatives supporting homeless Veterans, visit VA.gov/homeless.
Together, the Jackson community continues to honor and serve those who once wore the uniform, ensuring they receive the care, support, and respect they so richly deserve.