Today I participated in a Stand Down for Saint Louis area homeless veterans. My role was rather simple. I took names, addresses and phone numbers for the legal clinic, and then guided the vets to the legal team of Saint Louis University students, attorney volunteers and professors. Most of the veterans were Vietnam era. Bill Griffith of the local Veterans For Peace Chapter 61 organized about 6 members to volunteer.
Too many homeless vets. Too many homeless people.
I talked to with McKinley Hubbard today. He is a Readjustment Counseling Therapist at the Vet Center here in Saint Louis. Asked about the biggest challenge facing the the center, he stated that getting the information to the Post September 11 veterans and convincing them to seek help. Many do not believe they need support. They do not want to be stigmatized or labeled as defective. He said one young veteran told him, he does not want to be like the Vietnam vets he sees in 30 years, still dealing with psychological trauma from their service.
Saint Louis veterans stand down
Saint Louis veterans stand down
