Veterans return home to no home

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Hundreds of volunteers and veterans gathered at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds Saturday morning for the second annual Stand Down event. The event helps homeless, almost homeless, and at-risk veterans in Lafayette.

Some volunteers, like Illinois resident Susan Gutrerridge, traveled hundreds of miles to help.

"We take a lot for granted, and homelessness and veteran should not be used in the same sentence," said Gutrerridge. "23 percent of all homeless are veterans and it's time to eradicate it and stuff like this is what's going to eradicate it."

Last year, the Stand Down event served more than 200 veterans and their family members. This year, directors said that number tripled.

Some veterans said having a program like the Stand Down provides veterans with the help they need when returning from war.

"I got out in 1966 and we didn't have this," said volunteer Peggy Marvin. "So, we came home with no job, no place to live."

That's a problem many veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan still face today. Tim Hilton, a director for the Stand Down, said the event not only benefits struggling veterans, but their families as well.

"We're trying to incorporate them back into the community, trying to help them get jobs, try to get them to join the veterans' organizations and they're like we were 40 years ago," said Hilton. "'What are you going to do for me and my family?' Because they have young kids."

Nearly 150 volunteers provided more than 60 services to veterans in need. The services ranged from free clothes and food, to job placement, legal advice and health screenings. All were free of charge.

Many of the volunteers are veterans themselves and said helping members of the their military family is a rewarding experience.

Volunteers said spending their day helping our community's heroes is one they'll never forget.