COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Tuesday, Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center hosted a free stand-down event at Weidner Field. It was an opportunity for homeless veterans to stock up on winter clothes, have some warm meals, and learn more about the services available to them.
The term stand-down comes from World War II when military members were told to stand down for rest and recovery after extended combat.
Mount Carmel took over the stand-down two years ago from the El Paso County Homeless Veterans Coalition.
Also at this year's event, organizers chose 10 veterans to receive transitional housing for 30 days at a local hotel. During that time, they will also receive help to find more permanent housing and jobs.
Taking a closer look, last year, organizers say they helped 126 veterans at the event.
I talked with Robert McLaughlin, the executive director at Mt. Carmel. He is asking that the word get out about this event to make sure veterans get the help they deserve.
"At this point, probably the most important thing is that nobody falls through the cracks so if there’s someone out there in need and there’s a caretaker or support person they bring that homeless veteran to this event," said McLaughlin.
For more information on how Mt. Carmel helps veterans throughout the year, visit their website.
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