Winterhaven 2018
Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s major outreach event continues efforts to eliminate and prevent Veteran homelessness.
At least 400 community volunteers have signed up to participate in the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down to be held this month. The annual event provides a one-stop service and resource haven for homeless and at-risk Veterans. Winterhaven will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.at the medical center on 50 Irving Street, NW, in Washington, D.C.
The stand down offers VA health care, benefits assistance and services, as well as one-on-one housing and employment counseling, solutions and resources for homeless, at-risk and underemployed Veterans.
According to the most recent Point-in-Time Survey, a nation-wide HUD initiative which counts the number of homeless on a particular night in January, there are more than 400 homeless Veterans in the medical center’s catchment area. It’s estimated there may be twice as many Veterans in the area who are at risk of becoming homeless.
The numbers have decreased in recent years as preventing homelessness continues to be a crucial part of the medical center’s Health Care for the Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program.
According to HCHV Coordinator Kevin Morton, events like Winterhaven are invaluable for at-risk and homeless Veterans. “It’s important to bring everyone together, VA staff with federal, local and state government agencies, Veteran Service Organizations, as well as corporate and non-profit community partners to offer a one-stop-shop opportunity of health care, benefits and resources.”
Participants will personally meet with the more than 70 community organizations and government agencies which have joined forces with the medical center to prevent Veteran homelessness in the DC metropolitan area.
Winterhaven attendees who are underemployed and at-risk of homelessness will have access to resources to assist in foreclosure or rental eviction avoidance, utility bill assistance, managing finances, legal aid, education and employment counseling.
The full day of services addresses many of the contributing factors associated with homelessness such as: employment and education counseling, financial planning, substance abuse and rehabilitative programs and psychosocial services. Veterans will also receive health assessments, HIV testing, specialty care exams including dental, podiatry and audiology and women’s health. Participants will also be treated to warm clothing, new boots/shoes, haircuts, personal care packs and a warm meal.
Eligible Veterans throughout the D.C. area will be provided free transportation from local shelters and public transportation stops including Brookland/CUA Station.
For Veterans to preregister for the event, phone Community Resource and Referral Center, 202-636-7660. To schedule media interviews and coverage, please contact the Office of Public Affairs prior to the event at 202-745-4037. During the event please phone 240-223-7065.
