Area veterans support groups conducted a homeless veteran stand-down recently, setting up under the north end of the Fahy Bridge on Sand Island, Bethlehem, in an effort to "refit" veterans to go back out into society.

Veterans Assisted Living OutReach, the American Red Cross, Warriors Brotherhood, the Vietnam Veterans Association and the 82nd Airborne Association Lehigh Valley Chapter prepared meals, distributed food bags and dispensed clothing to the nearly 40 homeless, half of them veterans, who showed up seeking help.

VALOR representative Bob Rapp Jr. said the various organizations "bring everything they could need to live outdoors."

Rapp also pointed out the organizations' ultimate goal is to get homeless veterans out of their situation.

"We try to build their trust," added Rapp, who pointed out caseworkers help with finding jobs, providing medical assistance and obtaining transitional housing. They'll also help veterans get their discharge papers so they can get assistance through programs provided by the Veterans Administration. Rapp said they hope to schedule another event soon.