Vets 'Stand Down' for their rights

MOBILE, Ala. - Years after fighting for this country, some veterans are still in a battle. They are homeless, and fighting for survival on the streets. Thursday, many of them got a break and a boost to help change their lives.

The tables have turned for some of those who unselfishly fought for our country. Now the community is serving the veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs along with several other local agencies held a Stand Down. It's when homeless veterans get a reprieve from life on the streets.

"We are a proud breed. A lot of us don't like coming forward for help, but in this time and age we have to step forward. You can't do it by yourself," veteran Harmon Cunningham said.

The need is significant.

"About 40 percent of homeless people in America are veterans. The estimate is at 131,000 homeless veterans in the United States," Kelly Estle with The Department of Veterans Affairs said.

"With PTSD, depression and everything I couldn't really work," Cunningham said.

More than 170 vets like Cunningham registered for Thursday's event. He's a disabled vet who said the resources these volunteers provide are invaluable.

"We have the ability to get them enrolled in health care. There's a mobile vet center that can help them re-adjust to living in the community again after combat," Jerron Barnett with The Department of Veterans Affairs said.

Shaves and haircuts are just a few services offered at the Stand Down. Each station is designed to help them stabilize an uncertain future.

"You get a hair cut, feel better, feel confident, feel cleaner and it does give you a different outlook," Veteran Terry Hackelton said.

The veterans were able to pick up hygiene products, blankets, winter clothing, and boots. Local and government agencies were on hand to help with mental health, housing and addiction problems. Assistance these folks said could be life-changing.

"You see a lot of faces a lot of people down on their luck when they come in. But by the time they leave, spirits are uplifted and they feel better about their situation. Even if it's somebody saying hello, thank you for your service," Barnett added.

The ultimate goal of programs like Stand Down is to end homelessness among veterans.