Homeless and in-need veterans to receive housing, medical assistance and more during July 12 Chicago Summer Stand Down
Chicago’s Summer Stand Down to help area unhoused, housing-insecure and in-need veterans will be held on July 12 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
• Vision checks and free eyeglasses
• 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 biannual event. Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center lead the committee.
“For three decades, we’ve come together to aid our Chicago veterans with the Winter and Summer Stand Downs,” said Donald Donahue, Hines VA social worker and co-organizer. “Our goal is to get veterans the resources they need through the summer and beyond.”
The 2023 Chicago Summer Stand Down assisted more than 370 veterans.
More than 200 stand downs are held nationwide and are part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ effort to house veterans across the United States. Nationally, VA housed 46,552 veterans in 2023.
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.
About Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital
Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, located 12 miles west of downtown Chicago on a 147-acre campus, offers primary, extended, mental health and specialty care to veteran patients in the Chicago area. Hines is the largest VA in the state of Illinois, treating veterans from World War II through the conflicts of today.
About Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a leading health care facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care to our nation's veterans. With a commitment to excellence, the medical center offers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialized treatment, mental health support, and rehabilitation. Jesse Brown VAMC is honored to serve those who have served our country.