Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett A crowd gathered to register for the Homeless Stand Down Oct. 23 on the grounds of the Salvation Army. Unfortunately, the words “homeless” and “veterans” are often linked together.

“One in three homeless are honorably discharged veterans,” said Kathleen Scott, domiciliary case manager for the Charlie Norwood Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center and an organizer of the annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans held on the grounds of the Salvation Army on Oct. 23.

About 400 people attend the event each year.

People were lined up to register for the event well before the 8 a.m. start. The stand down opened with a brief ceremony featuring Fort Gordon’s color guard and Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver.

“During difficult economic times, the homeless need our attention, they need our support more than ever, said Copenhaver.

Several organizations, such as the Augusta Rescue Mission, Hope House, the United Way of the Central Savannah River Area and Georgia Legal Services, provided information about their services at tables set up under tents outside the Salvation Army..

The VA also provided some health care services such as blood pressure checks and tetanus and flu shots.

Dr. Thomas Kiernan, the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center’s chief of staff, pledged the hospitals’ support.

“We are here to serve you today and every day at both of our centers,” he said.

In addition, those attending the event received food, clothing, blankets and shoes.

The first homeless stand down was held in 1988 in San Diego, Calif. It was organized by a group of Vietnam veterans. Similar events are held across the country.

“The numbers of homeless veterans have decreased based on our efforts,” said Scott.