For a few days, local homeless veterans will have a warm, dry place to stay. The 15th annual Bridging the Gap, Stand Down begins this afternoon at the Q.C.C.A. Expo Center in Rock Island. Veterans, whether homeless or not, will get food, clothing, medical services, and employment opportunities.
Director Mike Malmstrom says 57 agencies are participating in Stand Down 2014.
"By being in here, they can take a look, and the people can talk to them--at least get their foot in the door with what agencies can help them, which agencies might not be able to--and leave here with a wealth of information to where we hope that they use to the fullest extent, to get them back up and going to have a prosperious life."
It also includes haircuts and showers, plus help with disability claims and more. Homeless veterans are welcome to stay overnight.
Malmstrom says Bridging the Gap can serve up to 160 veterans at one time, but not all are homeless.
"Even these guys who have just come home from the service, unless they have a job to into or a family already established, most of them have to move in with mom or dad, or grandma and grandpa, until they can get established. And with today's economy, sometimes that can take months instead of weeks."
Registration runs today from four to six p.m. and again tomorrow from seven until noon at the Expo Center in Rock Island. Then Bridging the Gap continues through Saturday.