Retired Air Force Maj. Larry Geringer jokes that he spent 26 years in the Air Force, then 26 years at Boeing, and now he is starting what he hopes will be 26 years helping the homeless.

"I decided that this wasn't something I could do sitting at home," said Geringer.

After reading an article about helping local homeless veterans, Geringer decided he needed to meet with representatives from Puget Sound Veterans Affairs and get started. He knew that reaching these veterans who were incompliant with the VA and therefore not receiving benefits should start at the Rescue Mission.

"Everyone who was a soldier should have a place to lay his head each night," said Michael Stoner, emergency services manager for the Rescue Mission and a Vietnam vet. Every night the mission sleeps 108, and on average at least 25 percent of those are veterans. Though the VA at American Lake has a dormitory that sleeps 40 a night, beds fill quickly. Stoner is known for holding beds at the mission if the veteran is working to become compliant with the VA.

Geringer, who is vice president of the Rescue Mission's board of directors, decided to open a Veteran's Resource Center, where veterans could come for a hot cup of coffee, information and guidance on getting the benefits to which they're entitled.

On Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3 to 6 p.m. a trained social worker from the VA works in the office. The rest of the week Geringer strives to fill in the gaps.

"Sometimes they mistrust the government and the VA, so it takes some time to rebuild the trust," explained Geringer. His process is simple: ask their name and when they were discharged to get the ball rolling. From there he is careful not to overpromise. Instead, he works on getting the individual back on track.

Since the program started in July, 31 veterans have been saved, meaning that they are back in contact with the VA or that they've even found jobs and a place to live.

Recently, the Rescue Mission opened the Adams Street facility for families and single women. As Geringer is devoted to reaching as many veterans he can, talks are underway to have the VA social worker visit there once a week.

On Thursday, Oct. 14, the Rescue Mission, in conjunction with the VA, will host Project Homeless Connect at the Tacoma Dome in order to provide the local homeless population with commodities such as dental care, haircuts, vaccinations (including flu and hepatitis B), and food. Free round-trip transportation will be provided, and veteran support will be available as well.

There is always a need for contributions, such as cots, toiletries, sleeping bags, and duffel bags. Item donations can be made at the Need-A-Break Center at the Tacoma facility, 425 S. Tacoma Way, Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food donations are accepted every day of the week from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the rear of the main building.