2-day event helps hundreds of Jacksonville veterans struggling with homelessness

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The town of Jacksonville stepped in to assist homeless veterans get again on their ft and get adjusted again into civilian life.

Saturday capped off the two-day “Homeless Veterans Stand Down” occasion on the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.

“It’s important to be keen to ask for assist to obtain it,” stated Jennifer Blum, who’s a Navy veteran.

Blum and greater than 200 others had been ready to join dental and medical care, take a look at choices for housing, a job and even counseling.

Blum fell on laborious occasions following 4 years as an electronics technician within the Navy from 1983 to 1987.

“My automobile obtained stolen, and I misplaced my job,” she stated. “That’s how I ended up homeless.”

The town helps because the variety of homeless veterans is rising. This occasion, taking place for the twentieth 12 months, is one strategy to change that pattern.

Veterans might get free haircuts, hair styling and take garments.

Our native heroes even had entry to issues like heat blankets, toiletries and luggage of meals all offered by the Jim Dotson Basis.

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They spent the morning and early afternoon stopping at tables for data like checking the standing of a license or ID.

All of that was worthwhile for Darrell Crye.

“I don’t actually need loads, however there’s nonetheless some data I didn’t learn about,” he stated. “It’s a superb program for people who find themselves actually in want once they get out.”

Crye spent a decade within the Navy as a prepare dinner. He served throughout Desert Storm on the now-decommissioned USS John F. Kennedy in Mayport.

He and Blum are counting on their religion to get them by means of the laborious occasions.

“Anytime I want one thing, I ask God for assist,” Blum stated. “He despatched me in the appropriate course. Normally, the VA is true there to assist.”

“If you don’t know which strategy to go, God directs you,” Crye stated. “He directs my paths and all the time retains me. I’m blessed.”

Friday, there was a profession truthful. Greater than 30 companies held interviews and supplied jobs to veterans.