DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Thursday, Feb. 15, Bridge the Gap partnered with the American Legion Post 26 for its Stand Down For Veteran's event.
American Legion Post 26 Commander Ed Hildebrand said an event like this make a huge impact to the community.
“I take it personally to make sure that every veteran I meet is being taken care of one way or another," Hildebrand said. "I want to send them to the right places for whatever needs they have."
A Vietnam veteran himself, Hildebrand says he wishes there was resources like these when he came back from the war. He recalled being viewed negatively in the public's eye.
"We were called warmongers, baby killers. It was a disaster," Hildebrand said. "Times have changed and now we're bringing awareness to these resources because we want veterans to know we appreciate them."
According to the Veteran's Data Central, nearly 712,000 veterans live between Illinois and Iowa, with 665 of them experiencing homelessness.
Bridge the Gap Director Mike Malmstrom says those numbers are unacceptable.
"We've had too many of them die from being homeless," Malmstrom added. "We are at the point where we need to stand up and take notice. Some of them refuse to get help, but we need to make them understand that it's okay to need help."
The event was only held on Thursday, with nearly 30 organizations participating.
On Wednesday, the Iowa legislature introduce House File 2505, a bill to bolster veterans' services and benefits. It was referred to the House Ways and Means committee.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel