Stand Down veterans aid event is Saturday
BY JERRY WOFFORD World Staff Writer
Friday, October 26, 2012
10/26/12 at 6:16 AM
Homeless veterans can get everything they need to start getting back on their feet at a "one-stop shop" Saturday in Sapulpa.
The Stand Down for Homeless Veterans provides homeless veterans a meal, clothing and a haircut. They can also get information about all of the resources available to them for treatment and housing in the Tulsa area.
"It's essentially a one-stop shop for homeless veterans to come through to get back on their feet," said Melanie Goldman, homeless program manager for the Jack C. Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Muskogee. The VA office in Tulsa facilitates the program.
The Stand Down is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at American Legion Post 36, 105 E. Lee Ave. in Sapulpa.
Free transportation will be provided from several locations in Tulsa.
Between 120 and 130 veterans are expected to attend the event.
This will be the 11th Stand Down in Sapulpa. Tulsa's second Stand Down event was held last spring. About 120 veterans were assisted at that event.
The VA has several programs to help veterans, including substance-abuse treatment and recovery options, federal housing vouchers, flu shots and free legal advice, Goldman said.
The Sapulpa American Legion post's efforts in this regard started with small donations to help provide housing to some veterans in difficult situations, but it has since expanded greatly.
"They wanted to do something bigger," Goldman said. "They did it. They love it. They say it's their favorite event every year."
Goldman said it's encouraging to see the turnout and support from the community at the events but that seeing veterans break the cycle of homelessness and start down the road to recovery is inspiring.
"Veterans really walk away from this with a sense of hope," she said. "They're welcomed with open arms. There's always something positive that comes out of it."
Shuttle schedule
Shuttles will be provided to veterans from the Tulsa area starting at 8 a.m. Saturday at the following locations:
- Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless, 415 W. Archer St.
- Bryce House, 1214 S. Baltimore Ave.
- Walker Hall, 1729 S. Baltimore Ave.
- Yale Apartments, 4650 E. Admiral Place
- 12&12, 6333 E. Skelly Drive
Original Print Headline: Stand Down for Homeless Veterans aid event is Saturday
Jerry Wofford 918-581-8310
jerry.wofford@tulsaworld.com
