[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING ORANGE COUNTY'S 1ST ANNUAL STAND DOWN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
proudly recognize the First Annual Orange County Stand Down to be held 
in Santa Ana, California on September 17-18, 2011. Nationally, it is 
estimated that one-third of the homeless population in the United 
States are veterans of the United States Armed Forces, many of whom 
face a constant battle with the effects of their time in service to our 
nation. There are approximately 5,000 veterans residing within the 
borders of Orange County that currently experience some form of 
homelessness during the year.
  This event will create a ``one-stop'' environment for these homeless 
veterans and their families to receive basic social services such as 
veterans benefit assistance, mental health and substance abuse 
counseling, along with housing and employment placement assistance. The 
first Orange County Stand Down expects to serve approximately 400-500 
of the county's homeless veterans and their families, many of whom have 
served their country valiantly in theaters of combat ranging from World 
War II to the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Attendees of the 
Stand Down will be able to receive hot showers, new clothing, hot meals 
and a chance to bond with their fellow veterans.
  Veterans First, a community-based organization in my district that 
serves homeless veterans along with other community groups and 
government entities such as the United States Veterans Administration 
(VA), State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) and 
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the County of Orange, the American 
Legion, Elks Lodge, American GI Forum, the American Red Cross, and 
Furnishing Hope, have come together to serve a group of brave 
individuals who have fought for the freedoms we value and cherish.
  I would like to recognize the First Annual Orange County Stand Down 
and commend its mission to restore honor to our homeless veterans and 
assist them in rebuilding their lives.
  As ranking woman on the Armed Services Committee, I would like to 
extend best wishes of success to the First Annual Orange County Stand 
Down in the hopes that it will become a sustainable annual event to 
assist our homeless veterans until all of our heroes are no longer on 
the streets.

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