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HMC-FMF-PJ
03-26-2009, 19:38
If you can help, I strongly encourage you to give whatever support or assistance you can provide. Make a donation. Volunteer some time. Help spend the word. Provide a ride. Organize a local event. Whatever you can do.

If you need help, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities this event provides. Share the word with a vet that can use some help.


National Registry of scheduled Stand Down programs and contact information
http://www.nchv.org/standdownevents.cfm


Stand Down
http://www.vvsd.net/standdown.htm

What is a Stand Down?

In times of war, exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover were removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. Today, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's estimated 200,000 homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. The hand up, not a handout philosophy of Stand Down is carried out through the work of thousands of volunteers and numerous organizations throughout the nation.

What is the history of Stand Down?

The concept of Stand Down, as related specifically to the homeless veteran crisis, was the brainchild of two Vietnam Veterans, Dr. Jon Nachison and Robert Van Keuren. The first Stand Down was held in San Diego. The popularity of the event has steadily grown from the original in 1988 to some 300 annually throughout the nation. It is estimated that in excess of 100,000 homeless veterans have received assistance at Stand Downs.

What happens at a Stand Down? (View 20th Anniversary Flash Video)

Hundreds of homeless veterans are provided with a wide range of necessities including food, clothing, medical, legal and mental health assistance, job counseling and referral, and most importantly, companionship and camaraderie. It is a time for the community to connect with the homeless veteran population and address this crisis that affects each and every town, city and state in this country.

Who organizes and delivers these services?

Thousands of caring volunteers and professionals give of their time and expertise to address the unique needs of the homeless veterans. Committees formed specifically to put on the event stage most Stand Downs. Veteran service organizations, California Department of Veterans Affairs, National Guard and Reserve Units, homeless shelter programs, health care providers, US Department of Veterans Affairs and Labor staffs, and many others organize and stage the events.

What can the public do to help?

Your contribution or volunteer time would be greatly appreciated by the local Stand Down committee. You can sponsor a tent by clicking on this link and completing/mailing the attached form.The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans maintain an active list of scheduled Stand Downs across the nation. If there is not a Stand Down scheduled in a community near you, you could help organize a planning committee to assist the homeless veterans in your area. Please contact us for information concerning homeless veteran providers and advocates in your area.


National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
http://www.nchv.org/standdown.cfm

Stand Down Sponsorship Form
http://www.vvsd.net/documents/stand_%20down_%20sponsorship_%20form.doc

National Registry of scheduled Stand Down programs and contact information
http://www.nchv.org/standdownevents.cfm