FORKS — An estimated 125 veterans, who were either homeless or at-risk of having no place to live, received an assortment of services at the Voices for Veterans Stand Down in Forks on Thursday.
The West End’s fourth Stand Down was probably the largest to date, said Voices for Veterans President John Braasch.
“We saw some veterans that only recently became homeless because of the economy,” Braasch said.
Stand Downs are held every year in Forks, Port Angeles and Port Townsend.
Thursday’s Stand Down at the Forks Elks Lodge at 941 Merchant Road offered medical screenings and shots, legal advice, employment counseling, benefits counseling, housing assistance, senior services, free clothing and survival gear.
“It’s a good thing,” Braasch said.
“We think veterans sometimes are forgotten.
“We have a good time, too.”
Free haircuts and a warm lunch were provided.
Volunteers from local animal shelters performed free vaccinations and checkups for pets, which are sometimes the closest companion of a person without a home, Braasch said.
50 volunteers
Braasch estimated that 50 volunteers took part in the Forks Stand Down, including service providers from such agencies as the Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the American Red Cross, Veterans Affairs and West End Outreach.
Some traveled from as far as Neah Bay and Port Angeles to attend the Stand Down. Clallam Transit provided free transportation.
“Forks has its own personality,” Braasch said.
“A Stand Down in Forks feels like it’s in a living room. It was a friendly, close atmosphere. A lot of people know each other there.”
Jefferson County veterans service providers were on hand because some West End veterans live in nearby west Jefferson County.
Braasch said some homeless veterans live in the woods, while others live in vehicles or couch-surf with friends.
The nonprofit Voices for Veterans takes pride in assisting homeless veterans without taxpayer money, Braasch said.
He thanked Swain’s General Store in Port Angeles for supporting the organization.
The Port Townsend Stand Down is scheduled for July 25.
The Port Angeles Stand Down will be Oct. 6.
Anyone interested in contributing to the Stands Downs can send an email to voicesforveterans@yahoo.com.
For more information on Voices for Veterans, visit www.voicesforveterans.org.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
