Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/veteran-good-packs-stand-down-event-miami/
Thanks to your generous donations, homeless veterans and their beloved pets have essentials to help them get back on their feet. Your support helps change lives.
There are over 40,000 homeless veterans in the United States. VA Claims Insider states, “Veterans comprise 10.6% of all homeless in the U.S. and are 2x as likely to become homeless versus those who didn’t serve in the military.”
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs hosts Stand Down Events across the country to help homeless and at-risk veterans get the medical care, food and basic supplies they need.
Florida has the third largest population of veterans, after Texas and California. Greater Good Charities (GGC) works to provide food and comfort items to veterans experiencing homelessness in areas with high veteran poverty populations.
GGC attended a recent event in Miami to distribute 130 Good Packs filled with basic survival supplies for veterans and their loyal pets. In addition to food, each functional backpacks includes a blanket, clothing, reusable water bottle, hygiene kit, pet food & treats, slip leads, collapsible food/water bowls, and much more.
One of GGC’s staff members at the event shared with us, “Absolutely EVERY Good Pack found a home during the event, and I spoke to each recipient. There were hugs, tears of gratitude, and amazement on the faces of the veterans who came through the event. Many said, ‘Thanks for being here for the veterans. I have been blessed so please help the many others that are not so fortunate.’ Everyone wanted to share photos and stories of their personal pets or their service animals.
Those with medical recommendations for a service animal visited the eight service dog agencies to learn about getting an animal. Some had their own pets and were interested in working with the groups to train personal dogs for service accreditation. There were opportunities for everyone – emotional support, PTSD, seizure, therapy, and service animals. There were dozens of veterans walking thru the crowd with service dogs in training, many there with their service animals.”
Veterans have sacrificed so much for their country, so it is time we lend a helping hand to those that have fallen on hard times. Greater Good Charities will continue to attend Stand Down Events and provide Good Packs to those in need.
See how your donations are helping even more veterans and pets in the video below.
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You can continue to help by purchasing a Good Pack for a veteran and their pet below. Together we CAN change the world.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
