Homeless veterans receiving needed assistance at annual event

Homeless veterans are receiving needed assistance Tuesday at an annual event in Colorado Springs.

The El Paso County Homeless Veterans Coalition hosted the annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down event. It was part of multiple Stand Down events nationwide to help veterans get back on their feet. Stand Down is a military term referring to a brief respite from combat.

At Tuesday’s event, veterans had access to services like food, clothing, backpacks, haircuts and flu shots. They also received help to obtain housing and employment.

The El Paso County Homeless Veterans coalition partnered with the Veterans Administration, United Way, the Red Cross, the Department of Human Services and Rocky Mountain Human Services.

They expect to help about 175 veterans. Last year, they helped 154. Additionally, 14 homeless veteran households will participate in an 18-day intensive transitional housing process. They will get a stay in a Colorado Springs hotel, meals, transportation and help to obtain suitable housing.