Stand Down event gives food, winter gear to homeless vets

(PUEBLO, Colo.) — Free meals, warm clothing, health screenings, and benefit counseling were offered at the annual Stand Down for Homeless event in Pueblo at American Legion Post 2 on Friday, Sept. 27.

The event’s name comes from World War II when combat units were called to “stand down” to rest after long periods of fighting. Friday’s event provided homeless veterans with food, winter gear, and information about available benefits and services ahead of the cold winter months.

“You can’t imagine how I felt when I got that. Oh, my gosh. It made me actually feel a part of…. that’s first time I’ve ever really felt totally a part of something. And all the female vets that I told about it said they were going right down and getting ’em,” said Cynthia Goick, a Veteran from Pueblo.

The El Paso County Stand Down will take place at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs on Oct. 15.

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