Photo By Sgt. Joshua Laidacker | Attendees visit booths which provide assistance at the 13th annual Veterans Affairs...... read more read more
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“I was homeless. I lost my car, my house...my everything,” said Douglas Kyle, a veteran and speaker at the Veterans Affairs Stand Down for Homelessness in Savannah, Georgia.
The 13th annual VA Stand Down for Homelessness was held in the Savannah Civic Center Sept. 13-14, as a community effort to help those impacted by homelessness. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 2016 Point-in-Time Estimate, there are over 47,000 homeless veterans, making up nearly 10% of total homeless in the U.S.
“Unfortunately, veterans make up a significant portion of our nation’s homeless, and we would like to recognize that issue and explore solutions with today’s stand down,” said Lt. Col. Jayson Putnam, commander of 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. “Our veterans have sacrificed for this nation, and we need to do what we can to help them.”
During the event, the Department of Veterans Affairs offered medical screening services to veterans. There were stations to inform those in need of available support for homeless, as well as a barber station for free haircuts.
Kyle said the army taught him how to take care of himself, but readjusting to civilian life was difficult. When financial aid for school was exhausted, he said his finances fell into ruin and he was disappointed with himself.
“I’m a veteran and I know better,” Kyle said. “I remember when my drill sergeant would say, ‘You do more before 6 a.m. than most do all day.’”
Putnam represented 3rd Inf. Div. at the event and mentioned the efforts the U.S. Army has made to better educate veterans exiting the service about challenges they may encounter.
“Our Soldiers, our veterans, should never have to struggle alone as they transition to a civilian life,” Putnam said. “In the Army, there are multiple efforts to improve this transition process including changes to the Army Career Alumni Program, Soldier for Life, the Hero 2 Hired employment application tool, Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces, and Military Spouse Employment Partnership.”
Fort Stewart American Red Cross held four donation drives with support from the Stewart Community in anticipation for the stand down.
“The Red Cross participates in this event every year,” said Jaime Waterbury, volunteer coordinator at the Fort Stewart American Red Cross. “Without the Fort Stewart community, without their time, generosity and donations, we would not be able to put together such amazing care packages for all the homeless veterans.”
Approximately 400 service members donated, and 40 volunteers packed, 1,300 bags to provide care packages to all the stand downs in the state of Georgia according to Waterbury, whose spouse is an active service member.
“When it comes to our veterans, the Army remains fully committed to their continued success,” Putnam said.
Although there are nearly 50,000 homeless veterans in the U.S., that number is decreasing. According to the 2016 PIT Estimate of Homeless veterans, the number of homeless veterans in the Chatham County area has shrunk from 48 in 2015, to 29 this year. Kyle attributes this change to the network of current and former service members.
“It’s amazing how our network is really big, but it’s really small,” said Kyle whose service ended in 2002.
Kyle is a story of success. He received his first flu shot at the Savannah stand down event in 2006 and this year he spoke to give hope to others, but more of his time is devoted to being a helping hand to others who are homeless.
“I’m actually a social worker with the Homeless Authority and the Salvation Army,” said the former tactical air traffic controller.
Key speakers at the event said homelessness is a complex problem and each had advice on how to help.
“Being a military spouse and moving so often, you can help out wherever you go and the Red Cross is at every military installation,” Waterbury said.
“Supporting our veterans requires a team approach,” Putnam said. “If you know of an organization that wants to help veterans, encourage them to register with the National Resource Directory.”
“Veterans identify with other veterans,” Kyle said. “I can look across a room and when I see a brother or sister in uniform and I know I can go to that person. We have like stories. That’s one of the greatest things about being a veteran is we’re always one brotherhood no matter where you are in the world. There is hope as long as you allow hope to live.”
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.16.2016 15:39 |
| Story ID: | 209866 |
| Location: | SAVANNAH, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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