The Democratic Women’s Club of Daviess County will collect clothing, food and personal hygiene items for homeless veterans from 9 am to noon Saturday at 233 Williamsburg Square.
Club spokeswoman Donna Haynes said: “This is a curbside stop. We will have a record. Donors can pull up and we’ll pick it up from the car.”
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Interagency Council on Homelessness announced that preliminary results showed an 11% decrease in homelessness from veterans since 2020.
The report showed that this year the number of veterans without permanent housing is 33,136, up from 37,252 in 2020.
But Haynes said veteran homelessness remains a problem.
The Democratic Women’s Club has been campaigning for homeless veterans for several years.
Haynes said, “We haven’t done anything for a while, waiting for the new Veterans Administration Office to open. They have moved and settled and are in need, especially with colder weather in the forecast.
“Clothes are needed, especially winter clothes, coats, hats, gloves and the basics, especially socks. But food is also very necessary. Preferred foods are those that open easily and are ready to eat. All clothing must be new and in packages or with tags for general health issues.”
Haynes said, “This is the month we honor our veterans and say thank you across the country. What better way to give thanks than by helping those who have served this country so honorably.”
Estimates have put the number of homeless veterans in Kentucky at nearly 400.
The Military Times said last year: “Veterans make up about 6% of the US population, but 8% of the nation’s homeless population.”
