Despite having protected the U.S. and its allies through their service in the armed forces, there are thousands of veterans who are homeless.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 49,000 homeless veterans were identified as of January 2014. The number represents 8.6 percent of the nation’s total homeless population.

Operation Stand Down, a Huntsville-based organization, estimates there are 1,000 homeless or displaced people in North Alabama, and about 30 percent of those are veterans.

While there are resources available for veterans through the Veterans Administration, many veterans who are homeless suffer from mental issues like post-traumatic stress syndrome or substance abuse.

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates there are 1.4 million veterans at risk of homelessness because of poverty, lack of support networks and dismal living conditions.

To that end, a Limestone County group is seeking donations for homeless and homeless veterans. Hearts for Homeless is a Facebook group started by members of The Coupon Patrol. Organizers say the page will be used to solicit prayers while also keeping the community informed about the group’s activities.

Members have already been collecting and distributing items to the area’s homeless under the slogan, “The forgotten shall be forgotten no more.” The main areas serviced by the group are Huntsville, Madison and Decatur.

Those who want to donate to the homeless and homeless veterans may drop off items at The News Courier at 410 W. Green St., Athens. A list of items sought by the group can be found below.

The group is also seeking information about homeless residents and homeless veterans in Athens or Limestone County. Anyone with information should contact the Hearts for Homeless founder Larry Pierce, Richard Waltman or Angie McElyea. Other members of the group include Mandy Hemmen, Phebe Durant and Brad Pierce.

“The homeless and homeless veterans have been laid upon our hearts to continually help,” said a press release about Hearts for Homeless. “We help this group each and every week.”

Each Wednesday, members distribute food, clothing, bedding, tarps and personal hygiene items to homeless persons. Once a month, members help launder clothing, sleeping bags and blankets.

“We will continue to introduce you to our friends on this page,” the release said. “You call them homeless, we call them friends.”

Items needed for homeless and homeless veterans include:

• Blankets;

• Sleeping bags;

• Peanut butter;

• Soup;

• Vienna sausages;

• Potted meat;

• Canned tuna;

• Canned chicken;

• Small bags of peanuts (and other nuts);

• Energy bars;

• Granola bars;

• Crackers;

• Snacks (individual size);

• Spam;

• Peanut butter/cheese crackers;

• Single serve instant coffee;

• Hot chocolate;

• Plastic spoons/forks;

• Paper/foam bowls and plates;

• Disposable razors;

• Deodorant;

• Toilet paper (doesn’t have to be individual); and

• Thermal underwear size large to XXL (tops and bottoms);

• Ibuprofen;

• Cough drops; and

• Cold medicines.