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VETERANS VILLAGE OPENS DOORS TO HOMELESS VETS --

"We have homeless vets living in the streets. Here's a

way, we as citizens, can help someone who

has given so much for their country."

MA1 Kirsten Darksmiller, from Naval Base Point Loma Security Department, assembles beds at the Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) winter shelter. Every winter, Veterans Village of San Diego provides a warm and safe environment for homeless Veterans. During this community support effort, more than 50 Naval Base Point Loma Sailors assembled 150 beds and unloaded numerous supplies in support of the VVSD seasonal project. (U.S. Navy Photo by MCC (AW) Yan Kennon)

For more about homeless veterans, use the VA Watchdog search engine...click here... http://www.your
vabenefits.org/sessearch.php?q=homeless&op=and

Story here... http://www.navycompass.com/news/newsview.asp?c=231159

Story below:

-------------------------

Veterans Village opens doors to homeless vets

By MC1 Christal A. Bailey Navy Compass Staff

Homeless veterans now have a place to call home during the cold, damp winter months thanks to a partnership with the City of San Diego, Veteran's Village of San Diego and VVSD Navy Region Southwest.

All three entities were represented during the grand opening at the Homeless Veterans Shelter located in the Midway/Rosecrans area of San Diego Dec. 5.

According to VVSD Vice President and Chief of Operations Officer, Andre Simpson, the shelter was home to more than 475 unduplicated homeless veterans last year. He said he hopes the shelter gives these veterans the chance to find the help they need.

"We have homeless vets living in the streets," he said. "Here's a way, we as citizens, can help someone who has given so much for their country."

The shelter is in its second year of a five year contract with the Navy. The Navy provides the land every year where the winter shelter is located. Naval Base Point Loma Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark Patton said this agreement helps avoid the hassle of the city having to vote on land use.

"It's important for the Navy to associate with the city to work on issues like this," Patton said. "The Navy had some extra land. This is much easier to do on Navy property than city property."

Simpson said for the next 120 days, employees of the shelter will concentrate on providing mental health assistance, some medical care and other resources that will help the veterans get off the street. Many of the veterans suffer from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, physical disabilities and addiction.

Simpson added Veteran's Village of San Diego is always in need of items such as hygiene products, clothes, gloves and of course monetary donations.

Director, Bruce Boland feels it's important to support the nation's veterans. "This is important because it supports our veterans in need," he said. "We have to rehabilitate them and get them off the streets. The program is simple, but profound."

For more information, or to donate contact Veteran's Village of San Diego at (619) 497-0142.

-------------------------

Larry Scott  --

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