2010 Feb AZ Stand Down for homeless veteran's pics are posted for viewing under "Photo Journal".
We had yet another record breaking year at the 9th Annual Arizona StandDown. Thank you for all of your support and continued dedication to this important event.
We could never do this without the broad participation of our veteran community in both human and financial terms. Thank you for doing your part for our homeless veterans. Below is a brief summary synopsis of the weekend and we will be compiling our annual report in the short weeks to come. We will also soon schedule an after action meeting in which you may pick up the volunteer certificates for your staff and volunteers.
This year we served 804 veterans which is the largest number of veterans we have served in a single weekend. We served 40 females, (5%). Nearly half of the veterans we served were chronically homeless and 57% of the veterans we saw had no income. Only 11% of those veterans who attended were currently employed. The top 5 service needs of the veterans who attended were #1 Legal, #2 Housing, #3 ID/License, #4 Medical and #5 Employment and early anecdotal reports were that these areas were very busy. 29% of the veterans who attended were currently living on the streets or in shelters while 33% reported living in transitional housing. Surprisingly 38% were currently housed in apartments, houses or living with family and friends. We hypothesize this is a reflection of the current economy which is increasing the number of veterans who are at risk of homelessness. Forty-seven placements into transitional or permanent housing have been made for those veterans ready to make the next step toward independence. We are yet to tally the number of emergency shelter placements.
On behalf of all of the homeless and at-risk veterans served...Thank you for your service.
Best Regards,
Brad Bridwell