Uniting for Heroes: The Southern New Jersey Stand Down Supports Homeless Veterans
Service leaders from all over the Delaware and southern New Jersey gathered to provide resources for almost 170 Veterans at the Southern New Jersey Regional Stand Down in the All-Wars Memorial in Atlantic City, May 22, 2024.
In 2023, more than 10,000 people in New Jersey were identified as homeless. This event aimed to target the local homeless Veteran population and provide on the spot resources.
Walking up to the building, Veterans were first greeted by the Wilmington VA Homeless Program team when they checked in. Any Veterans experiencing homelessness were educated about resources available to them. Ten Veterans were identified as unsheltered and were provided housing resources.
“I felt a sense of pride as I was able to provide live, in-person support to my local Veteran community,” said Wilmington VA social worker Jake Sanders who was at the event assisting Veterans. “I liked being able to jump in to help the Veterans and their families make the most out of the event. The Veteran needs to be assured that there are wrap around services available to them at every turn.”
Some Veterans come to this stand down every year to get screened by the Wilmington VA like U.S. Army Veteran Ronnie Livingston.
“It’s a good place to come,” said Mr. Livingston. “You just have to want it and they will give it to you. It might be a lot of information, but you just have to know what you are looking for.”
This was Livingston’s second year coming to the stand down. Prior to getting care from the Atlantic County VA Clinic, Livingston was homeless. Through the VA he was able to connect with Veterans Haven South where he was able to get back on his feet.
“The words ‘homeless’ and ‘Veteran’ should not exist together,” said Wilmington VA Director Vamsee Potluri who attended the event. “VA is committed to ending homelessness among Veterans because it is our duty to ensure all Veterans have a place to call home.”
In addition to the VA, community partners that participated in the stand down included the American Legion, ELKS Veteran Service, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Casino Control Commission and Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden. These programs provided information on legal questions, housing, mental health, employment resources and other benefits.
Resources offered on-site were clothing, hygiene products and food items. Lastly on the third floor, Veterans were able to be screened for toxic exposure by the Wilmington VA. Since the updates to the PACT Act, many Veterans are unaware that they qualify for care due to their toxic exposure.
If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for assistance. It is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors who can talk with you right now and connect you with your nearest VA for help.
For more information on renting to or hiring homeless Veterans, visit www.va.gov/homeless.