WARSAW — This year, VA Northern Indiana Health Care System will support nine stand downs in northeast Indiana.

Last year, similar events drew 850 veterans and produced 30 referrals for follow up assistance.

Warsaw’s stand down event will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at Center Lake Pavilion, 117 E. Canal St.

Stand downs are intended to provide veterans the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and sense of well-being. These events help the VA outreach and identify homeless veterans in the community. VA and local partners in 2017 distributed over 1,700 articles of clothing, served 1,100 meals and provided almost $100,000 in excess military clothing for veterans.

VA Northern Indiana works with community partners and plans events that integrate many resources and services that homeless or at-risk veterans and military families may need.

Services available include employment and housing opportunities, résumé writing assistance, information pertaining to VA benefits, health care, personal and spiritual counseling, groceries, free calls, clothing, hygiene kits, haircuts, backpacks, bus and phone cards and home mortgages services.