NMDWS News:
- Free Clothing, Backpacks, Blankets, Shoes, Jackets, Toiletries
SANTA FE – Homeless and near-homeless veterans in northern New Mexico can receive free clothing, food and services at the Fourth Annual Vet MissionPossible Stand Down for homeless and near-homeless veterans on Friday, Oct. 24 and continuing Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Santa Fe University of Art & Design.
This year’s stand down is once again at university’s Alumni Hall. Oct. 24 is set aside for veterans only; Oct. 25 is open to veterans and non-veterans. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.
The Fourth Annual Vet MissionPossible Stand Down is presented through a collaborated effort by Adventist Community Services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Santa Fe Vet Center, the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center, New Mexico Veterans’ Integration Center (NMVIC), the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS), Vietnam Veterans of America/Northern New Mexico Chapter 996, and other federal, state, local and private agencies.
The concept is modeled after military stand downs popularized during the Vietnam War to offer battle-weary soldiers a temporary safe haven to rest, receive medical treatment, get a hot meal, and receive other services before returning to combat action.
At the Fourth Annual Vet MissionPossible Stand Down, veterans can obtain free clothing, backpacks, bedding, food, hot meals, flu shots, basic medical screening, legal assistance, and many other goods and services.
Free dental checkups and basic dental care will be provided by staff from Pacific Dental Services.
A Veterans’ Service Officer from the Santa Fe office of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services will also be on hand to assist veterans with filing for their VA and state veterans’ benefits. Representatives from the NMWS will offer employment assistance. Representatives from the NMVIC and other agencies will assist with helping find shelter and providing information on other services available to assist the homeless.
For more information about the Fourth Annual Vet MissionPossible Stand Down, contact Phillip Chavez at 505.501.1060.
