Christie Administration Provides Assistance for Homeless Veterans

On Nov 6, 2015

Continuing the Christie Administration’s commitment to New Jersey veterans, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development joined other government agencies and non-profit organizations at the fourth annual Stand Down in Morristown.

The two-day effort hosted at the National Guard Armory in Morristown provided veterans with access to basic physical needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical support as well as social services, veteran benefits, employment assistance, addiction counseling and legal services.

Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths joined members of the VFW Post 3401 of Morris Plains in serving a hot lunch, donated by a coalition of local restaurants, to the nearly 200 veterans in attendance.

“It is an honor to be here to serve these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to serve our country,” said Commissioner Wirths. “This is the fourth year my department has participated in this event to connect hundreds of veterans in need to critical services to return them to a productive life.”

The event, which included personnel from the Department of Labor’s One-Stop Career Centers and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, continues through Saturday, November 7, 2015. Stand Down is a military term used when service members are removed from combat to rehabilitate and rest. Today, Stand Downs are grass roots, community-based intervention programs to help homeless veterans battle life on the streets.

The Christie Administration has regularly hosted and participated in veteran-focused events including Stand Downs, dozens of veteran employment fairs and conferences designed to help employers connect with veteran services. The administration also has joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion and other sponsors to support “Hiring Our Heroes” events, as well as helping to connect military personnel with quality career and training opportunities in the in the building and construction trades.

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