Nashville estimates there are over 2,000 homeless people living in Davidson County, and 30 percent of them are veterans.
Military nonprofit Operation Stand Down Nashville made a difference this earlier this month, helping local homeless veterans with the services they need. The nonprofit’s goal is to give veterans an opportunity to connect back with the community.
The nonprofit held its 20th annual service event at the old Tennessee Preparatory School the weekend of October 12-14.
Over 800 volunteers and 130 different organizations provided meals, medical services and relaxation areas for around 330 veterans during the three-day event.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are more than 300,000 veterans who are homeless on any given night. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, one out of four homeless men in America have served this country in the military.
Operation Stand Down Nashville works to reduce this unfortunate statistic by training and supporting veterans as they work themselves off the streets and back into the community as responsible and contributing citizens.
Bill Burleigh, executive director of Operation Stand Down, wants to make sure that all veterans are supported fairly and not discarded after their time in the military.
“We’re letting them know that Nashville still cares. All the agencies are there to serve them,” Burleigh said.
You can donate financially or offer services to Operation Stand Down Nashville by visiting its website at www.osdnashville.org.