The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System is hosting a Stand Down Against Homelessness from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the VA Community Resource & Referral Center located at 2424 City Hall Lane, North Charleston. The free event includes legal counseling, clothing vouchers, flu shots, health screenings, hygiene items, and HIV testing.
The goal of the annual event is to reach individuals in crisis and connect them with programs and services that will end their homelessness. Stand Down is intended to serve homeless Veterans but is open to all individuals and families impacted by homelessness. According to the most recent statistics released by the South Carolina Interagency Council on Homelessness, there are currently over 300 homeless Veterans in the Lowcountry, with over 200 living in Charleston County.
Each year, area non-profits and community volunteers come out to support the event and ensure its success in connecting Veterans with the services they need. In addition to the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, the following community partners are essential to providing all the resources available to Veterans at Stand Down: The American Red Cross, One80 Place, SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran’s & Families),Neighbors Together, Navy Federal Credit Union, Soldiers Angels, SC National Guard, SC Legal Services, Charleston Pro Bono, Hope Center, SC Vocational Rehab, Healing Waters, Vet Center, Vets on Deck, Bimbo Bakeries, Tri-County Veteran’s Network, SC Works, Goodwill - Palmetto Warrior Connection, Elks Club, South Carolina Department of Veteran Affairs, Berkley/Dorchester Vocational Rehabilitation Navigation Center, and the Low Country Veteran’s Home.
