Since our founding, the American Legion Auxiliary has remained steadfast in our commitment to advocate for solutions that address our nation’s homeless veteran epidemic. Despite progress and the efforts of so many organizations, this heartbreaking and serious issue is still affecting thousands of veterans and military families every single day. On any given evening in our country, there are over 32,000 veterans experiencing homelessness. 
 
“We don’t know what has happened in their life for them to be in the position they are now, but if we can help them and make them feel just a little bit better, then we have done our duty,” said Deb Gelenius, member of Ohio Amherst American Legion Auxiliary Unit 118. 
 
To help address this critical crisis in our country, Auxiliary members continue to answer the call of Service Not Self by hosting or participating in stand down events that provide support and services to veterans in need. 
 
ALA members of Unit 118 have been strongly involved in their community’s annual stand down for several years. Ohio’s Lorain County Task Force for the Homeless hosts this heartfelt event to help their displaced community members, including military veterans. 
 
“It’s important to give back, especially to give back to the people who went to war and fought for us and gave us our freedom,” said Gelenius. 
 
Since the stand down is held in October each year, Unit 118 donates and purchases items that will help keep those in need warm during the upcoming winter months. They encourage their fellow American Legion Family members to partake in the event by making a donation. Once the funds are collected, members of Unit 118 purchase any clothing items needed to survive a cold Ohio winter, and most importantly, warm winter coats, which everyone was so thankful for. 
 
“This year, we helped over 150 homeless veterans and community members,” said Gelenius. “Everyone was so grateful and thanked us over and over again — it’s a very touching and rewarding and just very humbling day.” 
 
Several local businesses and organizations that support homeless individuals were invited to share valuable information and provide resources on mental health, medical care, housing efforts, and addiction recovery. Attendees had the opportunity to receive health screenings, as well as vaccinations by the Lorain County Public Health, and they were provided with hygiene kits. Naloxone kits and HIV testing were also available. 
 
Additionally, 15 local barbers and two beauticians donated their time to offer free haircuts for the homeless men, women, and children. A nail technician also was available to do manicures. 
 
“This experience reminds me just how thankful I am for what I have,” said Gelenius. “We need to continue praying for these people who aren’t as lucky as we are.” 
 
The 11th annual Lorain County Homeless Stand Down was held at a local church and open to any community members in need. Those who attended the event were given a hot lunch and provided with snacks, treats, drinks, and even meals that they could take home with them.
 
ALA members of Unit 118 were instrumental in the success of this year’s stand down. They prepared for the event by cleaning, sorting, and packing the winter items in Ziploc bags for safe holding and easy distribution. On the day of the stand down, unit members helped set up tables, organize items, and spent time visiting with veterans. 
 
“Bringing a smile to their faces is the important part — if we can make their day, we have accomplished our goal,” said Gelenius.