SALISBURY -- Homeless veterans in the Charlotte and Salisbury area received medical care and clothing today at the Salisbury VA Medical Center. It’s all part of the second annual “Homeless Veteran Stand Down” day.
Many went through a housing program, while others are on the verge of homelessness. Some said help like this has saved their lives after substance abuse and post traumatic stress disorder.
"It's through the VA and programs like this that I have hope now, I'm clean, I'm sober and so they actually gave me another chance at life and I'm grateful,” said Willie James Daney, a veteran who used to be homeless.
Daney has been part of a VA supportive housing program for three years. He and others receive housing and treatment for issues like PTSD and substance abuse.
"I had been on drugs for a number of years and one of my problems was not having anywhere to go,” said Daney.
Greg Pearson was once homeless himself.
"I was suffering a lot, I had a lot of mental health symptoms that I was experiencing that I didn't know anything about,” said Pearson.
Now he works as a peer specialist and helps other veterans get back on their feed.
"True need for the help for our veterans, they need us,” said Marth Corriher, the president of the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Committee.
Charles Prymock has needed dental treatment for months. Friday’s Health Care for Homeless program meant that Prymock could get several teeth extracted.
"To me, it's one of the greatest things they could have done,” said Prymock, "It's not a service that's available to vets every day of the year."
From new clothes for job interviews to healthcare, to housing, it’s need that extends across North Carolina.
"If Americans don't put forth to put a thank you and to help our veterans it's going to deter our younger folks from ever joining the military because they'll think we're not appreciated, they're not going to be there for us,” said Corriher.
Services that veterans say will impact others in need.
"If you just keep your hopes up, keep praying, and keep looking, you're going to find it,” said Prymock.
If you know a homeless veteran who needs help, you can call 877-4-AID-VET for help.