Central Texas has a problem with homelessness, and rising prices for housing are not helping the situation.

Cities across the country are struggling with their unsheltered populations, and as of January 2020, an estimated 27,229 people are homeless on any given day in Texas, according to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Operation Stand Down Central Texas

This weekend, you have a chance to make a difference locally with the sixth annual Spring Stand Down event benefiting homeless individuals and families at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center this Saturday.

Assistance for those who attend includes services such as personal grooming, health assessments, dental cleaning and hygiene, as well as a hot meal.

Operation Stand Down Central Texas (OSDCT) assists area homeless veterans and their families, and the organization’s mission is to provide immediate relief from the trauma and isolation of homelessness. This event is part of an ongoing program to provide short-term resources and easy access to basic needs.

Organizers intend to raise community awareness about homelessness, particularly for veterans, and encourage participation in Stand Down events in the Killeen area.

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Where to Bring Donations

According to the Killeen Daily Herald, there will be three trucks full of clothes and supplies for distribution, and clothing donations will be available to every individual who comes in for assistance. Personal grooming items have been placed inside backpacks for each person as well.

Donations can be dropped off at Copperas Cove Terrace Shopping Center, Suite 338.

All Covid-19 protocols will be followed during the event. Individuals will have their temperature taken, masks will be worn, and social distancing will be observed. Volunteers are welcome.

Call 254-681-8522 or email operationstanddowncentraltexas@gmail.com for more information.

The Most Dangerous City in Texas for 2022 May Surprise You

According to FBI statistics, Texas had 438 violent crimes and 2,562 property crimes per 100,000 residents as of this year. For every 100,000 residents, there are 224 police officers statewide.

Crime rates are expressed as the number of incidents per 100,000 people.

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