3RD ANNUAL HOMELESS VETERAN STAND DOWN
A SAFE HAVEN FOUNDATION HOST ITS 3RD ANNUAL HOMELESS VETERAN STAND DOWN 2016
Chicago, IL – July 22, 2016. A Safe Haven Foundation will host its 3rd Annual Military Veteran Stand Down on Saturday, July 23, 2016, in historic Douglas Park Cultural and Community Center from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For the last two years this event has attracted and helped over 1,000 military veterans that are homeless and in need get access to all types of services and support.
A Stand Down is when hundreds of homeless veterans gather and are provided with a wide range of services by representatives from academia, workforce development, social services, the health care industry, and are greeted with respect, honor and open arms. This year’s event have the support of the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense, and more. The Veterans Stand Down is supported solely through grants, fundraising, in-kind contribution, and the work of hundreds of volunteers. We anticipate serving over 600 military veterans this year, and are grateful for the support of sponsorships from McCormick Foundation, U.S. Cellular, Fifth Third Bank, and the American Medical Women’s Association. We’d like to respectfully acknowledge the U.S. Department of Defense for their contribution of nearly One Million Dollars of in-kind contributions in military surplus for distribution to the attending veterans.
A Safe Haven was co-founded by a Military Army Veteran, Brian Rowland and as such, ending Veteran homelessness has been a mission so close to our hearts.. This year marks A Safe Haven’s 3rd Annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down and I couldn’t be more humbled by the level of community support we receive each year. We are proud to have a strong history of providing housing and comprehensive support services to veterans and all families in need. Our nation’s returning heroes deserve a place to come home to that meets their unique needs and that of their families. While the Stand Down only lasts a day, through the dedication of the hundreds of volunteers that provide needed medical, hygiene, and employment services, we know the impact we’re making is truly long-lasting. ” said A Safe Haven President Neli Vazquez Rowland