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Read the press release here.

Getting Homeless Vets Back On Their Feet The Goal Of Operation Help-A-Hero

By  Howard Ludwig and Heather Cherone | May 24, 2017 12:21pm 

 Don Jackson, a formerly homeless veteran, spoke Wednesday about about Operation Help-A-Hero. Last year, the program collected some $500,000 worth of goods, including bath soap, shampoo, shaving cream, deodorant and more for homeless vets transitioning to permanent housing.
Don Jackson, a formerly homeless veteran, spoke Wednesday about about Operation Help-A-Hero. Last year, the program collected some $500,000 worth of goods, including bath soap, shampoo, shaving cream, deodorant and more for homeless vets transitioning to permanent housing.
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DNAinfo/Heather Cherone

BEVERLY — Operation Help-A-Hero will return this year to once again collect household items for formerly homeless military veterans moving to permanent housing.

Last year, the citywide effort spearheaded by Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) collected some $500,000 worth of goods, including bath soap, shampoo, shaving cream, deodorant, shower curtains and more.

"As we approach Memorial Day, it is important that we remember our fallen heroes and do everything we can to support our brave veterans who call this city home," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a written release.

Collection of toiletries and other necessities begins Monday and continues through July 4. Donations of new, store-bought products can be dropped off at more than 60 designated locations throughout the city, including ward offices and 14 participating park district field houses.

"Many of our veterans are living without basic necessities that you and I take for granted, Operation Help-a-Hero is a simple but effective way for all Chicagoans to address that problem and show our veterans the respect and appreciation they deserve," O'Shea said. "Everyone can lend a hand."

All donations will be collected by Military Outreach USA and will then be distributed by the Jesse Brown Veterans' Affairs Medical Center on the Near West Side. Last year, the effort helped "thousands of veterans to successfully live independently," according to organizers.

Don Jackson, a veteran of the U.S. Navy who found himself homeless while suffering from an alcohol addition, said it was "a miracle" he was standing next to the mayor Wednesday to announce the return of Operation Help-A-Hero.

"People like me don't usually make it," Jackson said, adding that it is often tough for some former soldiers to ask for help. "It is very important for us to reach out to our national heroes."

Also last year, Emanuel began requiring 311 operators to ask callers whether they are veterans and tapped Victor LaGroon to lead the city's Veterans Affairs Office. City officials claim some 2,200 formerly homeless veterans have found housing through Chicago's Ending Veteran's Homelessness Initiative.

"Chicago continues working to end homelessness among veterans and our success is a testament to the hard work of our residents and partners who have come together to help those who are struggling to get back on their feet," Emanuel said.

For more information on Operation Help-A-Hero and for a complete list of requested items and drop off locations, visit www.cityofchicago.org/helpahero.