Veterans in need can find help at new Wheaton event
After battles in the Vietnam War, U.S. soldiers would often get a chance to "stand down," or temporarily go off-duty, in a safe haven, where they could catch up on sleep and recuperate with some security.
That concept sparked the idea for modern-day Stand Down events across the country that provide homeless veterans with a respite for a day or two. The events usually include dozens of resources to give the veterans a boost, such as legal and financial help, new clothing, food and health exams.
A Stand Down has been held in Chicago for more than 20 years. But this week, one is taking place in DuPage County for the first time.
"We want to take care of the veterans in need who are in our backyard and make it accessible and friendly, in an area that it wouldn't trouble them to go to, a familiar area," said Pat Wasisco, a team leader at the DuPage County Vet Center. "We have plenty of need here so we want to provide the services here."
Other key organizers for the event - which will run Thursday and Friday at the DuPage County fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton - include the Veterans Assistance Commission of DuPage County, Catholic Charities, the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, the YWCA and Hines VA Homeless Veterans Program.
While the event is geared toward veterans with housing problems, the only requirement for entry is proof of service. Veterans are asked to bring identification, but if they don't have any available representatives from the Veterans Benefits Administration will be on hand to look up attendees' service records.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. Thursday. Throughout the day, veterans will have a chance to eat three meals and take showers, get a haircut, undergo dental and vision exams and learn about different services and vendors that can provide help.
"Folks (in the suburbs), in general, seem to be less knowledgeable of all the things they can have access to if they go to a VA hospital. Vets in the city seem to have a better idea," Wasisco said.
The event also will include a visit from Bravehearts, which offers a therapeutic equine program for veterans, from 1 to 6 p.m. and a musical performance at 7 p.m. Attendees are welcome to stay the night on a cot, too.
Registration for newcomers and breakfast start at 8 a.m. on Friday. Vendors and service providers will be on hand again and the event will conclude with some giveaways and a bag lunch from 10 a.m. to noon.
Wasisco said Stand Downs are uplifting events that provide people with some comfort and "make things easy and accessible in one spot." She said they also provide the veterans with some positive camaraderie for a few hours.
Organizers have been promoting the event not only in DuPage County, but also in Kane, Will, Kendall and DeKalb counties. Since it is the first year of the event, Wasisco said it's hard to tell where the veterans will come from, but she said anyone who can make it to downtown Wheaton can then take a shuttle provided by the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans to the fairgrounds Thursday.
Walk-in volunteers are welcome on both days during registration. They can also help with setup from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. For information, visit www.chicagostanddown.org/dupagestanddown or call (630) 585-1853.