Stand Down helps veterans stand up

Ralph McClury receives items at Stand Down

Making his way through crowds of veterans lined up for free haircuts, legal assistance and employment advice, Ralph McClury, a former HVAF client, received services and goods he needed.

Ralph McClury, a 59-year-old Army veteran and former HVAF client,  has been attending the Stand Down for four years.

“I received a lot of items I needed like hygiene products and underwear,” says Ralph. I love the event and I’m not going to miss it.”

The 9th annual Stand Down was held on September 12 for homeless and near-homeless veterans at AMVETS Post 99.

Stand Down is a military term used when exhausted combat units come off the battlefield to rest and recover in a place of safety. Today, Stand Down also refers to a community-based program that provides homeless and near-homeless veterans with food, shelter, clothing, basic medical exams, and assistance or referrals for social services, such as housing, legal matters and job counseling.

The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam veterans in San Diego, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

161 homeless veterans utilized services at Stand Down including 14 females.

The HVAF Stand Down included flu shots, housing referrals and legal assistance through community partnerships. Veterans received food, clothing, health screenings, haircuts, and learned about services provided by the following: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, DeVry University, Homeless ReEntry Helpers, Homeless Initiative Program, HVRP, Indiana Legal Services, IUPUI Indianapolis Vet Center, RLR VA  Medical Clinic, SafeLink Wireless, Social Security Administration, State of Indiana Division of Family Resources, Suicide Prevention, Veterans Antiquities, Voc. Rehab, Volunteers of America and Work One.