“Stand Down” provides critical resources to veterans

In September, 250 veterans and families enjoyed a day of free medical and dental checkups, food, clothing and other critical resources. It was all part of the 10th annual "Veterans Stand Down" that helped assist those in need.

Ralanda Whitaker crocheted hats and also provided hoodies. She represented the American Legion Post 497 Ladies Auxiliary. This is her third year of setting up a table at Stand Down.
 

“I have family members who served in the military,” says Ralanda. “It means so much to me to be able to support these men and women.”

 

Veterans also received housing, legal, medical and social services. Eye exams were conducted by the Indiana University School of Optometry and volunteers were on hand from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Louise Loyd, on the HVAF of Indiana board of directors, and called "The Sock Lady," handed out socks to veterans. Veterans walked away with bags of free items including bus passes.

 

Stand Down was sponsored by HVAF, AMVETS Post 99, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Roudebush V.A. Medical Center, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Women Marines Association.

 

 

Stand Down helps hundreds of homeless veterans

More than 250 homeless veterans lined up and checked out all the tables at the 10th annual "Veterans Stand Down" at AMVETS Post 99, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014.

Veterans and others took a moment of silence then listened to "The Star-Spangled Banner" sung at the event which included an opening ceremony and the opportunity for homeless veterans to receive goods and housing, legal, medical and social services.

Eye exams were conducted by the Indiana University School of Optometry and volunteers were on hand from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Louise Loyd, on the HVAF of Indiana board of directors, and called "The Sock Lady," handed out socks to veterans. Veterans walked away with bags of free items including bus passes. Also, shoes and clothes lined tables and many veterans received crocheted hats from the American Legion Post 497 Ladies Auxiliary.

The event was sponsored by HVAF, AMVETS Post 99, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Roudebush V.A. Medical Center, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Women Marines Association.

View the slideshow from the day.

Media coverage included:

Slideshow on the Indy Star website by photo journalist Kelly Wilkinson
http://www.indystar.com/media/cinematic/gallery/15460843/veterans-stand-down/

FOX59 http://fox59.com/2014/09/11/911-event-helps-homeless-veterans-get-back-on-their-feet/

What is a Stand Down?
Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) organized the nation's first Stand Down in 1988. The meaning of “Stand Down” comes from the idea that, "You don't leave anybody outside the wire. If you've got wounded outside the wire, you go get them, regardless of the cost." ~Stand Down Founders Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon Nachison Today, Stand Down refers to a community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's estimated 200,000 homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. Since the first Stand Down, the program has been widely replicated nationwide. Today, more than 200 Stand Downs take place across the country every year.

Stand Down

This year's annual Veterans Stand Down event will be held on Thursday, September 11 at AMVETS Post 99 in Indianapolis. Services for veterans include food, clothing, health screenings, haircuts, and much more. Veterans also have the opportunity to learn about services provided to them by several service organizations. Learn more here: http://www.hvafofindiana.org/stand-down/

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.