For Army veteran Vada Turner, the start of the three-day 2025 Sacramento Stand Down event at Mather's Volunteers of America Veterans Service Center was the start of hope for at-risk veterans who served our country, some even in war.

"It's huge. We want to help them rebuild their lives," Turner said.

Turner spoke as he showed off a sea of shoe boxes and clothing containers meant to supply at-risk and homeless veterans for the upcoming winter season.

Just a few steps outside were lines of pop-ups tents and specially-equipped vehicles offering services ranging from medical, dental and vision care to haircuts, housing and employment services to veterans experiencing homelessness or other challenges.

"To see a veteran living on the street is hard, because we don't believe anyone should live

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