Hundreds of homeless veterans got the help many so desperately need Saturday.

The Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center along with dozens of community partners held this year’s Orlando Stand Down event.

Russell Horner, a 59-year-old retired Army sergeant, has been homeless since May. Horner was one of more than 300 veterans, most of whom are homeless, who got new boots and dozens of other necessities at the 2014 Orlando Stand Down event.

“(The boots do) make a difference because I do walk a lot. I walk a lot,” Horner said. He remembered when he served in the 1980’s, the boots he received only went up to a size 12 -- Horner wears a 13.5 in men’s shoes.

The donated boots were just some items the Department of Defense sent for veterans who sleep on the streets or in shelters. Dozens of community partners assisted the vets with free haircuts, dental and medical services, hot meals and information on housing options, benefits and schooling.

“The number of homeless vets is actually starting to decline,” said Ken Mueller, the Homeless Program Manager for the Orlando VA. “We think [the decline] is due to the many resources and collaborations not only the VA is putting out, but through our partnerships. Throughout the year, housing more and more veterans and getting them more and more assistance, so we’re starting to see the number decline.”

As the on-going effort continues to get all homeless vets off the streets, the pressure is on. 

In 2009, President Barack Obama and the secretary of Veterans Affairs announced a mission to eliminate all homeless vets by 2015. With the deadline just over three months away, the struggle to meet that goal continues.

Organizers say the most recent number shows 299 homeless veterans in Orange County alone. 

“This is what we owe our veterans. It’s our calling to serve our veterans in this way,” said Tim Liezert, the Medical Center Director of the Orlando VAMC.

Horner is still looking for a job and a permanent place to call home but with his new boots laced up and tied tight, he thanked the volunteers who made Saturday’s event possible for him and the other veterans who remain homeless.

“I think anyone who’s spent time on active duty, should get a room. At least till they’re back on their feet,” Horner said.