FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/04/2020
Operation Onward Support Continues To Help During COVID-19 Pandemic
(Albuquerque, NM) –For over 15 years, the annual Albuquerque Homeless Stand Down has been conducted each year to help increase community connections and resources to our homeless Veteran community. Scheduled for October 23, 2020, we have had to cancel this essential event due to community gathering restrictions related to the Coronavirus pandemic. This difficult decision was made in order to keep attendees, providers, and volunteers safe.
The VIC is currently accepting donations for Operation Onward Support. Needed items include small toiletry items, backpacks, sleeping bags, blankets, cold weather gear, and bottled water. Financial contributions can be made directly to the VIC or by using our secure online server below. Because of the growing COVID crisis, donations are even more essentially needed to provide services and support during Operation Onward Support to all homeless Veterans still living on the streets in New Mexico.
The annual Albuquerque Homeless Stand Down is typically held every October at the Rock at Noon Day. The event brings together over 40 local and Federal service providers, many who can immediately help someone in need. Veterans receive a variety of assistance including help with filing for VA benefits, legal consultations, basic medical screenings and immunizations, and many other invaluable services by a caring community.
The Stand Down 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.
The VIC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations to the VIC are tax-deductible.