The VA2K Walk & Roll kicked off Wednesday morning at the VA Hospital in Fresno.
The VA said one out of four homeless men are veterans.
One by one, some walked and some rolled through the 2K challenge.
It promotes wellness, but also helps veterans like Pete Coderley who have fallen on hard times.
"I'm still pinching myself. I got my housing a year ago in February, It's crazy man," said Vietnam veteran, Pete Coderley.
Coderley served in Vietnam in '69 and lived on the streets after becoming homeless when he got back.
"I was out there for almost 10 years," said Coderley.
Last year in Fresno and Madera County alone, there were more than 250 homeless veterans. Some without the essentials like a toothbrush and toothpaste, razors, and shampoo. Bradley Wassil is a Navy veteran and can relate.
(BRADLEY WASSIL / NAVY VETERAN)
"These are things that, you know, when you're unemployed and homeless...that you really can't afford the opportunity to buy," said Bradley Wassil.
Baskets full of donations of the essential items poured in. One man in the community even donated 75 blankets.
"You can use it as a shelter under the sun, you can use it as a pillow, you can use it as a nap sack. There's a dozen different ways this nice, little piece of cloth is gonna help benefit the people who are out on the street," said Jim Guida with Government Employees Health Association.
The helping hand to get veterans back on their feet is appreciated.
"I'm off the streets now, I've got an apartment, I can pay the rent and it's okay," said Coderley.
Participants of the local VA2K push on with what looks like another successful year.
Last year across the country, more than 170 VA facilities participated in this event raising $240,000.
The VA said one out of four homeless men are veterans.
One by one, some walked and some rolled through the 2K challenge.
It promotes wellness, but also helps veterans like Pete Coderley who have fallen on hard times.
"I'm still pinching myself. I got my housing a year ago in February, It's crazy man," said Vietnam veteran, Pete Coderley.
Coderley served in Vietnam in '69 and lived on the streets after becoming homeless when he got back.
"I was out there for almost 10 years," said Coderley.
Last year in Fresno and Madera County alone, there were more than 250 homeless veterans. Some without the essentials like a toothbrush and toothpaste, razors, and shampoo. Bradley Wassil is a Navy veteran and can relate.
(BRADLEY WASSIL / NAVY VETERAN)
"These are things that, you know, when you're unemployed and homeless...that you really can't afford the opportunity to buy," said Bradley Wassil.
Baskets full of donations of the essential items poured in. One man in the community even donated 75 blankets.
"You can use it as a shelter under the sun, you can use it as a pillow, you can use it as a nap sack. There's a dozen different ways this nice, little piece of cloth is gonna help benefit the people who are out on the street," said Jim Guida with Government Employees Health Association.
The helping hand to get veterans back on their feet is appreciated.
"I'm off the streets now, I've got an apartment, I can pay the rent and it's okay," said Coderley.
Participants of the local VA2K push on with what looks like another successful year.
Last year across the country, more than 170 VA facilities participated in this event raising $240,000.