Homeless and in-need veterans to receive housing, medical assistance and more during June 16 Chicago Summer Stand Down

Chicago's Summer Stand Down to help area homeless, housing-insecure and in-need veterans will be held June 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gen. Jones National Guard Armory in Southside Chicago.

This summer's stand down will focus on connecting veterans to community resources and sustained care.

Services offered to Veterans during the event include:

• Housing assistance

• Medical and mental health education and services

• Substance abuse treatment education

• Employment and financial assistance

• Food and SNAP assistance

• Veteran benefits and Social Security assistance

• Haircuts

• Clothing giveaways

Limited medical services will be provided, including blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, and infectious disease screenings. Podiatry services will also be available, including foot screenings and nail trimmings.

Registration is not required. Veterans should bring a Veteran ID card, or a photo ID and a copy of their DD-214 military discharge form to receive services. Veteran status can also be verified at the event if needed.

The Illinois National Guard Gen. Richard L. Jones Armory is at 5200 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60615.

Chicago Stand Downs are held every summer and winter. A committee of VA staff, local nonprofits and area agencies organize the bi-annual event. Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center lead the committee.

"For 29 years, we've come together to aid our Chicago Veterans with the Winter and Summer Stand Downs," said Donald Donahue, Hines VA social worker and Stand Down chairman. "Our goal is to get veterans the resources they need through the summer and beyond."

The Chicago Winter Stand Down was held in October 2022 and assisted more than 370 veterans. It distributed over 800 bags of food and produce, and over 400 lunches.

More than 200 stand downs are held across the nation and are part of the Department of Veterans Affairs' effort to house 38,000 homeless veterans across the country in 2023. Nationally, VA housed 40,401 veterans in 2022. Hines VA Hospital permanently housed 315 last year.

Veterans needing housing assistance, or citizens who see a homeless veteran, can call Hines VA Hospital at (708) 202-4961. A social worker can be dispatched within one business day.