Des Moines Homeless Veterans Stand Down serves central Iowans rain or shine
Angela Ufheil
Even though a storm drove participants under wood-framed tents, volunteers at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Des Moines seemed cheerful Saturday.
"Many of these people have nothing," said volunteer Nick Lemmo. "The hard work is worth it just to see their reactions and their faces."
The annual event, held September 15-17 this year, provides services, supplies and a place to stay for Des Moines' homeless population.
Visitors to the Stand Down location on the corner of East 14th and Des Moines streets can receive free dental care, haircuts, employment assistance, legal advice and are able to spend the night in a tent.
A committee spends all year planning the Stand Down. "As soon as this one is over, we'll be doing a debriefing to figure out what worked," said committee chairperson Kim Neal. "We try to adjust from year to year to meet their needs."
On Friday, the first day of the Stand Down, community members donated thousands of gently used clothing items, which were given out for free. On Saturday, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority raffled off monthly bus tickets.
Anyone in Des Moines who is homeless or on the brink of homelessness can attend the event.
And many have so far. Neal said the line to enter the event yesterday was so long it wrapped around itself. "We've been able to help a lot of people," she said.
Sunday is the event's last day. Services are available from 8 to 10 a.m., and a lunch will be served before the tents are torn down.