Helping Veterans

Posted by Nick Martinez in Santa Fe

On Oct. 25-26, SFUAD welcomed homeless veterans and other homeless to Alumni Hall, as an opportunity to receive the help they need.

For Phillip Chavez, 2013 Veteran Stand Down organizer, the event has always close to home during the three years he’s been running the event.

“When I retired from the military I sort of lost my identity,” said Chavez. “I just wanted to do something to help the veterans.”

With three local churches, Santa Fe Community College, SFUAD and various veterans groups coming together, there was plenty of help to go around. A buffet line of food greeted the hungry upon entering the room. Booths were stationed around the building, offering a wide range of services including: haircuts, foot washing, flu shots, racks of clothing, massages, blood pressure checks, prayer rooms, free hugs, as well as a variety of information booths on alcoholism, drug abuse, and nutrition.

“People are receiving all the services really well,” said Angie Howes, Santa Fe Seventh Day Adventist Church volunteer, who was offering blood pressure checks. “They seem to love the opportunity to get help that they need.”

Chavez estimated that almost 200 homeless, half of whom were veterans, cycled through on Friday alone. The number of homeless veterans in New Mexico is estimated to be fewer than 1,000, according to Long March Home, a website that chronicles the plight of homeless veterans.

Daniel Reiher, an American Legion rider and veteran, agreed with the estimates for attendees, and said he reveled at the chance to help the less fortunate.

“It’s amazing the number of people who came here and got clothing,” said Reiher. “It’s been powerful, very moving.”

Reiher at one point spotted a familiar face in a police uniform. He called him over and chatted about their last encounter at a veteran’s event in Rio Rancho. Apparently, the officer’s son was a Young Marine and was determined to make sure that returning veterans are given basic necessities.

“See, that’s what’s happening,” said Reiher. “You just can’t screw these people over. You just can’t.”

2013 Veteran Stand Downs are held in various cities across the country through out the year. More information can be found here.