Serving Homeless Veterans in Kansas City - Winter 2012
Veterans should never be homeless. Unfortunately, in real life they are. Twice a year, the Heart of America Standdown serves homeless Veterans in the Kansas City metropolitan area. This time of year, we are making sure the Veterans are prepared for winter. Being prepared for winter means that they will come through to get winter clothing (usually military issued) like coats, socks, blankets, sleeping bags, clothes, thermal underwear, etc. We also get many items donated from the community and area businesses to make sure our Veterans are ready for the cold. On this day, they will also get breakfast and a hot lunch. I found out today that the organizations that used to donate boots/shoes are no longer able to help us. Now we know that for our summer standdown we will need to increase our efforts to get more donations for footwear.
It makes me sad that anyone is homeless. There is something even worse about those who have agreed to serve our country - and possibly lose their lives along with other sacrifices- that they must sleep under bridges, in parks and shelters, on a friend's couch - and not know where there next meal is coming from. I am pleased to know that at least on this day, many Veterans will get some assistance during this time of their struggle. A hot meal, a warm sleeping bag, access to service providers that offer long term help and a way out of the of this low point, is the true blessing of this day for all of us.
Personally, I serve in this way, as a volunteer, because I didn't serve in the military - though many members of my family have answered the call of duty. My parents were both serving in the Army in Germany when they met and married many years ago. I have 2 sisters that currently serve in the Air Force, a niece, a sister & brother in law and many uncles that have served. I am especially proud of the 3 generations of women in my family that served, and continue to serve. My participation during this event is the least that I can do. There are so many more that do the same thing.
Veterans who attend on Friday, November 2nd must bring certain items with them to register starting at 7:00am (until about 1:30pm) at the Memorial Hall in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. The website has more details for Veterans, volunteers and donors. There are also several service organizations that work with, and provide serices to Veterans from medical services, legal, housing information, etc. that will answer questions and share information with the Veterans. Volunteers include members of the community, people who work with Veterans, Veterans and those actively serving, students - including the wonderful ROTC class from Washington High School.
So, until the Summer Standdown...and the day that we no longer have almost 2,000 homeless Veterans in our Kansas City metropolitan area...we serve.
Here are pictures from our setup day in this beautiful, historic old building - Memorial Hall:
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