Help and Hope for Veterans

(This article first appeared in the March-April 2015 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.) 

This winter, the APWU and community volunteers joined the Veterans Administration (VA) to give help and hope to veterans at the 19th annual Winterhaven Stand Down. This was the eighth consecutive year that APWU officers and staff participated in the event – providing assistance to hundreds of veterans in need.

More than 700 homeless and at-risk veterans were transported from area shelters and off the streets. When they arrived to the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center, volunteers greeted them with a hot breakfast and coffee, kind smiles, handshakes, words of encouragement and expressions of gratitude for their service.

After they were given a chance to warm up and make a quick, required stop at the registration desk, the veterans eagerly navigated their way through various stations, where they received medical and dental care, free legal advice and employment services. Participating veterans were also given information about free and affordable housing and given an opportunity to learn about VA benefits.

In addition to receiving resources that help combat homelessness, the vets were given a heavy jacket and a pair of work boots to better protect them from the harsh elements of the season, before enjoying another hot meal in the cafeteria. Some took advantage of the time to chat with comrades. Many shared stories of their hardship and expressed a desire to be in a better place.

The APWU was proud to be joined by members of the U.S. Air Force. Together we distributed 775 new backpacks and disbursed emergency blankets, personal hygiene kits filled with toiletries, warm articles of clothing and other survival items to every veteran who made it to the Stand Down – thanks to donations received from APWU organizations and members.

An Emotional Experience

The pride we felt when we looked each veteran in the eye and thanked them was absolutely indescribable – but there were also moments of heartache. Giving backpacks to homeless veterans, one after the other, knowing we were their last stop before they departed back into the frigid, inhospitable weather was gut-wrenching. Witnessing our uniformed military members dole out small, charitable contributions to those who served before them etched indelible memories in our minds.

It is completely unacceptable that men and women who served our country have literally been left out in the cold. Our veterans are owed a lifetime of gratitude, but instead, broken promises had them standing before us, pride swallowed, accepting a pair of socks and a bar of soap, truly appreciative of the smallest gestures. It’s simply not right.

Making Strides

Thankfully, the VA has been making great strides through Stand Downs and other initiatives to eradicate veteran homelessness. Between 2010 and 2014 there was nearly a 33 percent reduction in veteran homelessness. Deeper cuts are expected as a result of new VA Community Resource and Referrals Centers (CRRC) that are being introduced across the country.

The CRRCs are best described as perpetual Stand Downs. They are open to veterans around-the-clock, every day of the year. CRRSs offer one-stop shops that address the multiple factors that lead to homelessness. The centers typically provide a primary care clinic, kitchen, laundry room, showers, food pantry, and a play space for children. Community agencies that offer legal, employment and housing services are co-located in the facilities, equipped to help.

A lot has been accomplished, but there is still much to do.

APWU organizations and members can support our efforts by sending monetary donations to the APWU Human Relations Department, 1300 L Street NW, Washington DC 20005. Every $20 donation received will enable us to provide a filled backpack to a veteran in need. Checks should be made out to the APWU Support Programs.