DURHAM -- Yvonne Head went to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Thursday in search of hope for homeless veterans like herself.
Moments after she arrived at Durham County's first "Veterans Stand Down," the Army veteran said the information she had received would help her.
"I thank the Lord we have an opportunity where we can explore some of the benefits and see how Durham is growing and trying to help its own," said Head, 59, who served during the Vietnam War. "It's quite a bit of information here."
The Stand Down was part of the fourth annual Project Homeless Connect, a daylong effort to provide homeless people with social and medical services.
Hundreds of veterans were expected, including those who were not homeless. They came from Raleigh and Person County as well as from across Durham, to get help with housing, mental health and employment and benefits such as Veterans Affairs disability claims and the GI Bill.
They also took advantage of Project Homeless Connect's free food, haircuts and medical care. The project is part of The 10 Year Results Plan to End Homelessness in Durham. The effort aims to end chronic homelessness in Durham County by 2017.
About 295 people received services through the project last year.
Local officials say the economy has increased the county's homeless population, from 535 people in 2009 to 675 in 2010.
A recent count found 119 homeless veterans in Durham, but it's hard to know for sure, said Lou Washington, Durham County's director of veteran services. Some veterans can't be found because they live in the woods, he said.
Some, like Robert Smith, live in shelters.
Smith, 54, and his wife came Thursday seeking housing. Originally from Orlando, Fla., the couple came to Durham in March after he was laid off from a Salvation Army store.
"Hopefully, something good is going to look up for me," said the former soldier. "Just something that can carry me on and to keep me in stride with things."
Mark Scruggs was also at the DBAP seeking help with housing and his veterans benefits.
"I'm glad to be here, right where I need to be," the former Marine said. "And I'm thankful for the help that's being offered today."
