Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — An event dedicated to helping veterans get the services and programs they need took over Boston City Hall Plaza on Friday.
The annual event known as the Greater Boston Stand Down is a collaboration between around 70 organizations that allows homeless or at-risk veterans to meet and connect with a multitude of service providers.
“All of the services that are offered here today are actually offered every single day, but it’s a special day because its all-in-one place,” said President and CEO of the New England Center and Home for Veterans Andy McCawley.
Tents filled the plaza with a variety of different organizations that specialize in various areas and needs.
“[We do] everything that can help homeless veterans obtain housing, [and do] things like case management, healthcare, employment, haircuts, clothing, you name it,” said Vice President of Human Services at the New England Center and Home for Veterans Lena Asmar.
Specialists and volunteers were ready to provide these services, like local barber Richie Bianchino who was at the event providing free haircuts.
“You can tell how appreciative the guys are, like I got guys who come here [and say] ‘I haven’t got a haircut since last year’ and they remember me and you can tell they really appreciate the haircut cause sometimes it’s the only haircut they can afford,” said Bianchino.
Veterans at the event like Tiger Collins were appreciative for the help and talked about the importance of events such as these.
“[It’s] very important because we need it, sometimes you don’t get the just due that we deserve, so this is good,” said Collins
For information, assistance or volunteer opportunities visit the New England Center and Home for Veterans website here.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.