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Annual Buffalo Stand Down helps Veterans at risk of homelessness or currently homeless

Buffalo Stand Down
During the event, Veterans were able to get assistance with disability benefits, housing resources, medical services, dental, vision, legal services, social and family services, PACT Act eligibility and enrollment, and pet wellness checks.
By Mark Richardson, Public Affairs Officer

Ending Veteran homelessness is a top priority of the Department of Veterans Affairs. On September 18, VA Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS) staff were on hand for the annual Buffalo Stand Down to help Veterans at risk of homelessness or are currently homeless.

During the event, Veterans were able to meet with and get assistance from Medical Foster Care, MOVE Program, Low Vision Clinic, Women's Wellness, PACT Act, Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Clinic, Whole Health, Compensated Work Therapy/Vocation, Veteran Justice Outreach, PTSD, My HealtheVet/Telehealth, Veterans Service Center, Veterans Benefits Administration, Dental, and the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team. 

“Our care coordinators are available year-round to help Veterans in need and the annual Buffalo Stand Down is an opportunity to call attention to connect at risk or homeless Veterans in Western New York with the resources that the VA has available,” said Kristen Weese, VAWNYHS Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Coordinator.   

The VAWNYHS Health Care for Homeless Veterans program has resources to help Veterans with: 

  • Immediate food and shelter needs, including both transitional and permanent housing
  • Job training, life skills development, and education
  • Justice system navigation and community reentry from incarceration
  • Financial support to prevent homelessness
  • Substance abuse and mental health treatment
  • Health and dental care

Representatives from WNY Heroes, Veterans One Stop, Soldier On, Veterans Housing Coalition, Social Security, Mary Agnes Manor, Department of Social Services, Eagle Star, Salvation Army, Buffalo City Mission, FeedMoreWNY, Gold Star Mothers, Wounded Warrior Foundation, UB Dental, WNY Department of Harm Reduction Opiate Task Force, Walt Koch Representing Congressman Kennedy, America’s Best Eye Glasses, IRS, Neighborhood Legal Services, WNY Law Center, WNY Independent Living, Helmets to Hardhats, Haircuts for those in need, Boston Veterinary Clinic, Department of Civil Service, Supportive Services, Soldiers Angels, and volunteers from M&T Bank, also provided resources with a common goal of helping of helping Veterans at risk of homelessness or currently homeless. 

In 2023, VAWNYHS permanently housed 162 homeless Veterans. These placements, part of VA’s nationwide homelessness goals for 2023,  along with placements provided by other VA health care systems across America, led to VA housing 46,552 Veterans nationwide, meeting and exceeding its national goal by more than 22.5 percent. 

If you are a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.