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Helping Hands, Open Doors: Surge Event Offers Critical Support to Unhoused Veterans

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) speaks with a Veteran about enrolling in their program.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) speaks with a Veteran about enrolling in their program.

By Justyn Charon, Public Affairs Specialist

On Wednesday, July 30, VA Providence hosted Helping Hands, Open Doors—a one-day surge event dedicated to connecting Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness with immediate, life-changing support.

Held at H-PACT Trailer 37 on the VA Providence campus, the event brought together VA services and trusted community partners under one roof to ensure no Veteran is left behind.

From emergency housing and enrollment assistance to help with VA claims, discharge upgrades, legal support, DMV documents, SNAP benefits, and utility aid, the event offered a comprehensive resource hub tailored to the urgent needs of unhoused and vulnerable Veterans.

Dozens of Veterans were served on-site, many of whom took the first step toward stability, safety, and hope for the future.

This powerful event would not have been possible without the leadership of Armin Azar and the dedicated VA Providence Homeless Clinic team, along with LICSW Jessy Merksamer, who helped coordinate logistics and outreach. Together, we are turning compassion into action—and opening doors for those who served.