[Newsletter] Another Successful Veteran Stand Down
The community truly came together for another wonderful Homeless to House Stand Down on October 25 with nearly 1000 homeless and at-risk Veterans in attendance.
The (very) warm sunny day began with a spectacular rendition of the National Anthem by the Archer School’s student a cappella group, and a touching ceremony honoring Vietnam Veterans. Veterans had coffee and bagels donated by Meals on Wheels of West Los Angeles and our now famous traditional breakfast Burritos from Brentwood’s Maria’s Italian Kitchen for the fourth year in a row. Vets were treated to showers, haircuts (from barber school students from Santa Monica College and LATTC) and free clothing… jeans and sneakers donated by Brentwood School students; clothing donated by Westwood Presbyterian Church; new clothing donated by Carhartt Clothing Company and Shelter Partnership (thanks to our Board Member Pam Dawber). A big shout out to Emmy Award winning stylist, Brenda Cooper who assisted the women Veterans in selecting just the right clothing for the second year in a row. Hundreds of food bags were distributed by Village for Vets (thanks to a generous donation by Rabbi Naomi Levy and the Nashuva Community) and the LA Food Bank. During a yummy BBQ lunch, the Vets were treated to even more student performances by the Brentwood School choir and a jazz band also donated by us. The new director of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Steven Braverman, was there to introduce himself to the greater community and share his personal story.
The focus of the Stand Down is to build trust/draw the homeless Vets to the VA Campus for services, services, services…
These Veterans need so much help. We are grateful to the more than 100 organizations that donated their time to provide free housing assistance, legal aid, employment and healthcare services to Veterans. And most importantly, hundreds of community members volunteered their time and donated funds. Thank you to all who supported this event. It really does take a village to support our vulnerable heroes.