Eaton County Veteran Stand Down to Feature Diverse Group Of Services for Area Veterans
CHARLOTTE MI, June 14, 2017 – Final preparations are being completed for Eaton County’s first annual Veterans Stand Down. Housing Services Mid Michigan, in conjunction with the VA, and the American Legion Post 42 are finalizing details for the Veterans event taking place on June 16th from 9AM to 1PM. The event will feature a unique group of services for Veterans. Participating services include the Unclaimed Property program from the State Treasury Department and K9s for Change, a service dedicated to training service dogs. Other services participating include the VA, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Peckham, LCC and MSHDA. “We are so pleased at the level, and diversity of vendors that have signed up to be there” said Denise Dunn, Director of Housing Services Mid Michigan. The Stand Down is an opportunity for Veterans to network with other Veterans and learn about local services that are available to them.
Also planning to attend are Charlotte’s Mayor, Tim Lewis, Tom Barrett, State Representative from the 71st district and Brett Roberts, State Representative from the 65th district.
The original Stand Down for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being.
Housing Services Mid Michigan is a 501(3) organization dedicated to serving the homeless with programs that reach into Barry, Clinton and Eaton counties. Because of the generosity of our community, our agency was able to assist 1849 individuals, including 1110 adults with 782 children in 2015. To resolve these housing crises, the agency dispersed over $880,000 in direct financial assistance. As a non-profit, donations may be tax deductable.