Legion assists homeless veterans during stand down event
Veterans receive comfort items at the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center during its 21st annual Winterhaven Homeless Stand Down on Jan. 24. Photo by Andrea C. Dickerson

Legion assists homeless veterans during stand down event

While the nation’s capital is known for scenic views during cherry blossom season and the rich history and culture surrounding the White House, Capitol Hill and other prominent monuments and staples in the district, homeless veterans have also become fixtures in many local communities. There are approximately 400 displaced veterans in D.C. blending into their surroundings in parks, metro stations and high traffic areas. Many of whom are struggling to cope with their daily life, visible and non-visible injuries and disabilities.

On Jan. 24, the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center hosted its 21st annual Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down, an event designed to provide free health-care and other quality of life services under one roof to local homeless and at-risk veterans.

Together, many federal, local and state government agencies teamed up with veteran service organizations and other local groups and community partners to provide access to health-care assessments, housing and education counseling, and other resources. Foreclosure avoidance assistance, finance counseling and discharge upgrade service were also available. Free haircuts were provided throughout the day and more than 500 volunteers, including active duty military personnel, were on hand to navigate veterans through the hospital and to distribute comfort items and donated boots and clothing.

“This event brought the entire community together to raise awareness,” said Brian Hawkins, director of the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center. “We fight to eradicate veteran homelessness 365 days a year. This event helped us get the entire community engaged in the fight to continue to combat homelessness all year.”

During the event, American Legion representatives provided counseling to veterans who needed assistance with an array of issues, from claim information and appeals to benefits questions.

“I was able to give them (veterans) the information and documentation they need to apply for a discharge upgrade,” said Larry Provost, assistant director in The American Legion's Legislative Division. “We are here to help guide them through the process. The American Legion is the only VSO that regularly provides this service. If we don’t do this for them – the people who have served their country, many during war time – who else is going to do it?”

Provost, an Army veteran, believes that everyone deserves a second chance, and he gets a sense of pride from the work he does, helping his brothers and sisters in arms.

“Although discharge upgrades are difficult to receive, some of these veterans have extenuating circumstances that would warrant a discharge upgrade,” he said. “I had to get up at 5 a.m. to be here — so what. There are people living on the street that need our help. The American Legion is committed to all veterans. We will continue to lead and be out on the forefront advocating issues that range from homelessness to military preparedness. That’s what we do.”

Several veterans who spoke with American Legion representatives said they left with a better understanding of what they need to do to tackle their individual issues. For one veteran, it was a cause very close to his heart.

Juann Tubbs served in the Air Force and the Army reserves. After receiving a general (under honorable conditions) discharge, he was denied benefits for 12 years. Tubbs, who is no stranger to services the American Legion offers, said he previously received help from the organization to file his claim for compensation. He came to Winterhaven to improve his living situation and once again seek help to get his discharge upgraded from an organization that previously helped him.

Tubbs said he has always been patriotic, shaping his values around God and country. “I’m still an asset to this country, and I would love to be able to serve my country again,” he said. “That is the reason I would like get my discharge and re-enlistment code changed.” Provost explained the process to Tubbs and provided him with the necessary paperwork to start the process. Like many of his comrades that were there, Tubbs said he was leaving the VA that day with a better understanding of the process and a sense of hope that an independent, healthier lifestyle can be achieved.