LOS ANGELES, May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- US Navy Captain Brad "Brick" Conners, the Commanding Officer at Navy Base Ventura County, one of the largest navy bases in the world, will visit with homeless veterans living at The Haven, the Salvation Army's shelter in West Los Angeles, to learn about new programs to help them with addictions, transitional living and other services to get them back on their feet. Approximately 30-40 homeless vets will meet with Captain Conners on Friday, from 3-4 PM.
According to the Salvation Army, an estimated 1/3 of all homeless men in Los Angeles County are veterans. That number is expected to grow as the 1.7 million military personnel who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan return home. The incidence of mental illness and addiction is higher in veterans. Those conditions often lead to homelessness. Over 700,000 returning vets have already sought assistance from the Veterans Administration.
Captain Conners, who oversees over 16,000 sailors, enlisted and civilian personnel just a few miles from The Haven at Naval Base Ventura County, is visiting The Haven to offer his words of encouragement and support for these heroes, now homeless veterans struggling to regain their footing with the help of the staff and volunteers at the Salvation Army. Memorial Day is Monday, May 26 2008.
SOURCE The Salvation Army
