NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina and Palmetto Warrior Connection held its 16th Annual Stand Down Against Homelessness Friday, Oct. 30 at the VA Community Resource and Referral Center, 2424 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event included a Veteran Listening Forum with the VA director from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
The event offered medical screenings and assistance, clothing, food, haircuts and legal counseling for hundreds of homeless veterans in the greater Charleston area. Job assistance and opportunities to speak with local employers were available for those seeking work. The event focused on veterans who are living on the streets or close to it. The goal is to get veterans the resources they need to get back on their feet.
"This year we decided to move the location of our Annual Veteran Stand Down Against Homelessness to our new VA Community Resource and Referral Center," said Stand Down Chairman Dr. Hugh Myrick, Chief of Mental Health at the Charleston VA Medical Center. "This center opened in June 2015 and serves our homeless veterans and veterans who are at risk of homelessness throughout the year. Events like our Veteran Stand Down are wonderful and serve our community members in need. However, it is important to remember that these veterans need our help every day and this center helps us accomplish that goal."