March 25, 2024
Written by Deacon Michael Douglas, USAF & Vietnam Veteran
Edited by Rev. Laura Adelia, USAF & OIF Veteran
Veteran Ministry members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Litchfield Park teamed up with the Sterling Grove Veterans Group of Surprise, AZ to serve at the Maricopa County’s “Veterans Stand Down Alliance” on March 21st & 22nd.
What is the Veterans Stand Down Alliance, you may ask?
Every year, each county in Arizona holds a “Veteran Stand Down“, (a program of the Arizona Housing Coalition) to provide assistance to veterans in need.
Veteran Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events during which VA (Veterans Administration) staff and volunteers provide food, clothing, and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans. In addition, Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling, and other essential services.
Hundreds of veterans showed up early to avail themselves of the services being offered to the veteran community.
They came for showers, haircuts, legal and medical services, housing and employment help, vision, VA veteran’s benefits, food, clothing, and dental services, as well as veterinary care for their pets.
These essential services benefit all veterans but especially the ones in greatest need. A large proportion of veterans lack permanent housing. According to the Maricopa Association of Governments, homelessness has risen by 35% since 2020.
Homelessness has been on the rise for years in Arizona, tracking national trends, the pandemic and the increasing cost of rent placed even more strain as people lost their jobs, putting them at greater risk of experiencing homelessness. It is estimated that there are over 1000 homeless veterans in Arizona.
Several members from St. Peter’s in Litchfield Park volunteered to staff the event. They were joined by members of the Sterling Grove Veteran’s Club (located in Surprise), as the two groups occasionally collaborate on events to serve the veteran community.
Tyler Dixon a member of both Veterans groups, spent Thursday at the Stand Down, and here is what he said:
Volunteering at the Veterans Stand Down this year was a truly gratifying experience. Unsure of what to expect I was assigned to the clothing distribution section where veterans could choose from a variety of lightly used apparel items, new socks, and 1 pair of used shoes. As we are the hands and feet to do Jesus’s work it seemed appropriate that I was assigned to the shoe section! I was amazed at the gratitude and thanks shown by the Veterans whom I helped get into a new (to them) pair of shoes.
Whether dress shoes for a job interview, casual shoes for wearing around town, or athletic shoes to help them along on their journey, all were truly appreciative.
This Stand Down was a fabulous event with thousands of veterans served by hundreds of volunteers and community organizations.
This is a great event and well worth supporting our Veterans.
Hope to see you at next year’s Stand Down!
Rev. Michael Douglas, Deacon
St Peter’s Episcopal Church
Litchfield Park, AZ
Want to help serve your local veterans in need?
Check your county’s schedule when they will hold their annual Veterans Stand Down event. Link: https://www.azhousingcoalition.org/avsa.html