On June 16, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Summer Stand Down event in Chicago aims to assist homeless, housing-insecure, and in-need Veterans in the area. The event will take place at the Gen. Jones National Guard Armory located in Southside Chicago. Its primary objective is to establish connections between Veterans and essential community resources while ensuring ongoing care.
During the event, Veterans will have access to various services such as:
- Housing assistance
- Medical and mental health education and services
- Substance abuse treatment education
- Employment and financial assistance
- Food and SNAP assistance
- Veteran benefits and Social Security assistance
- Haircuts
- Clothing giveaways
Attendees will receive limited medical services at the event, like blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing and infectious disease screenings. Podiatry services will also be provided, including foot screenings and nail trimmings.
There is no need for pre-registration to receive services. Veterans are advised to bring either a Veteran ID Card or a photo ID along with a copy of their DD-214 military discharge form. If required, veteran status can also be verified at the event.
The Illinois National Guard Gen. Richard L. Jones Armory is conveniently located at 5200 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60615.
Chicago Stand Downs are held in the summer and winter. These bi-annual events are organized by a dedicated committee consisting of VA staff, local nonprofits, and area agencies. Leading the committee are the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.
“For 29 years, we’ve come together to aid our Chicago Veterans with the Winter and Summer Stand Downs,” said Donald Donahue, Hines VA social worker and Stand Down chairman. “Our goal is to get Veterans the resources they need through the summer and beyond.”
In October 2022, the Chicago Winter Stand Down successfully aided over 370 Veterans. More than 800 bags of food and produce, along with over 400 lunches, were distributed to those in need.
Across the nation, over 200 stand downs are held as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ ongoing initiative to provide housing for 38,000 homeless Veterans throughout the country in 2023. In 2022, the VA housed a total of 40,401 Veterans nationwide, with Hines VA Hospital alone permanently accommodating 315 Veterans last year.
For Veterans in need of housing assistance or concerned citizens who come across a homeless Veteran, a direct contact number is available. By calling Hines VA Hospital at 708-202-4961, individuals can request assistance, and a social worker will be dispatched within one business day.
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