Homeless veterans in the Quad Cities are receiving food, medical tests, and other services this weekend. The group called Bridging the Gap, is holding its 16th annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island.
Stand Down is a one-stop-shop for men and women who served in the Armed Forces to receive help. Showers, haircuts, and eye testing are available, plus employment assistance and shelter referrals. One organization at the event is Iowa City VA Hospital and its clinic in Bettendorf. Program manager, Wendy Fahlgren says health care is readily available for female veterans.
Fernando Rohwer, a mental health representative at the Robert Young Center says the center offers individual and group therapy for veterans and family members. Rohwer says the Stand Down is not only a great opportunity to help veterans, but also a way to meet people from other local agencies.
Stand Down runs from September 15-17.