Army veteran Donnie Lionberger, once homeless and battling addiction, now supports fellow veterans at the DAV Homeless Veterans Stand Down, which he began attending in 2022. The event, held at DAV’s national headquarters in Erlanger, Kentucky, connects veterans facing homelessness with essential resources. Lionberger, who credits the stand down with aiding his recovery, shares his journey of overcoming addiction and reconnecting with family after seeking help from Joseph House, a local treatment facility. This year, over 200 veterans attended the stand down, which featured more than 60 vendors offering services such as health screenings, legal aid, and employment resources.

Another participant, Michael Angel, a former Ohio Army National Guard member, also found support at the event after struggling with substance abuse and homelessness. He has been sober for nearly a year and appreciates the community’s care. The event emphasizes ongoing support beyond the day itself, aiming to break the cycle of homelessness among veterans. According to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report, veteran homelessness is at its lowest levels on record, and DAV aims to continue this positive trend through initiatives like the stand down. Both Lionberger and Angel exemplify the program’s impact and hope for recovery.