Lend a hand to homeless veterans
Stand Down. What is it? Why should you care? Why am I writing this?
Stand Down has more than one meaning. In times of war, exhausted military combat units requiring time to rest and recover were removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. Stand Down today refers to a grassroots, community-based program designed to help the nation's estimated 275,000 homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets.
Stand Down creates an environment of safety and security under which the homeless veteran can gain a renewed sense of self-respect, comradeship, and hope. It is an opportunity for our community to truly connect with our homeless veteran population and contribute to their well being.
Homeless veterans and their families are provided with a broad range of necessities and services, some of which include food, clothing, medical, dental, veterinary, legal and mental health assistance, job counseling and referral. Many caring volunteers and professionals give hours of their time and expertise to address the unique needs of our homeless veterans.
The North Idaho Veteran Stand Down is a collaborative event sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul, The American Legion Post 143, The United Way of Kootenai County, The Veterans Administration and The North Idaho Veteran Stand Down Committee.
It is estimated there are 1,000 homeless veterans in Kootenai County. Yes, one thousand. Every single one of these brave souls has served this country and defended your freedom. Here are two opportunities for you to help give them a "Hand Up."
If you would like to volunteer for the May 10 event, you can register online at www.kootenaiunitedway.org.
I am honored to be a volunteer for the North Idaho Stand Down. My specific task is to have a fundraiser to collect monetary donations to help with the one-day Stand Down event on May 10 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, as well as continue to provide year-round assistance to our homeless vets and their families. Black Sheep Sporting Goods in Coeur d'Alene has generously offered us sidewalk space to set up a table outside to collect donations next Saturday, April 19 from 0900 to 1700.
This fundraiser is a new event for North Idaho Stand Down. All monies collected will stay in Kootenai County. I am appealing to you to stop by next Saturday and contribute. All monetary donations will be gratefully accepted. April 19 is also Patriots Day, so how about showing your patriotism by making a donation to our homeless veterans and their families. Hope to see you there. Just look for the American flag and the flags of your military.