Upcoming Homeless Veterans Stand Downs: Prince George's County seeks donations for 11/5

Prince George's County Homeless Veterans Stand Down and Resource Event: November 5, 2011

Hosted by John 14:2 Inc. 

9am - 4pm

Wayne Curry Sports and Learning Complex

8011 Sheriff Road

Landover, MD 20785

map

Free services for homeless veterans include:

Food * Haircuts, Showers, Clothing * Info on Veterans Benefits * Women Veteran Services & Support * Employment Services * Social Service Programs * County School Assistance * Legal Assistance * Info on Housing * Medical, Dental, Vision Services * Motor Vehicle ID Cards * And More!

 DONATIONS NEEDED - SPREAD THE WORD!

Requested items:

Prescription Assistance Toiletry Items Gift Cards $10 Meal  Vouchers Manicure/Pedicure Vouchers Hotel Vouchers  Hand Sanitizer New Toys, Coloring Books, & Crayons Rain Ponchos Cloth Grocery Bags  Bottled Water

New Clothing (Men, Women, & Children) Hats & Gloves Coats Socks Scarves, etc. Laundry Supplies Free Wheelchair/Bicycle Repairs Soap, Shampoo, and Shower Supplies for On-Site Showers Snack Food Items for anytime lunch bags

Please contact Corae Young at 301-404-1551 or vahrd@dhr.state.md.us for information on donating and volunteering.

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 Further Information on Homeless Veterans Stand Downs across the Nation

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. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment.

Today, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 107,000 homeless veterans on any given night “combat” life on the streets. Homeless veterans are brought together in a single location for one to three days and are provided access to the community resources needed to begin addressing their individual problems and rebuilding their lives. In the military, Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being. Today’s Stand Down affords the same opportunity to homeless veterans.

What happens at a Stand Down?

Hundreds of homeless veterans are provided with a broad 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. The hand up -- not a handout -- philosophy of Stand Down is carried out through the work of hundreds of volunteers and organizations throughout the nation.

Who organizes and delivers theses services?

Hundreds of caring volunteers and professionals give of their time and expertise to address the unique needs of homeless veterans. Committees formed specifically to put on the event stage most Stand Downs. Veteran service organizations, National Guard and Reserve units, homeless shelter programs, health care providers, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Labor staffs, veteran-helping-veteran programs, and concerned citizens from the community organize and stage the events.

Upcoming Stand Downs

Oct 20 - Redding, CA  CONTACT: Jim Richards 530-356-0342
Oct 21 - Ft. Walton Beach, FL  CONTACT: Cathy Magnuson 850-862-9215
Oct 21 - Huntsville, AL  CONTACT: Sandra Childress 256-715-0556
Oct 24 - Longview, WA  CONTACT: Sheri Stommel 360-636-4004
Oct 26 - Arlington, VA  CONTACT: Harvetta Spann
Oct 28 - Kokomo, IN  CONTACT: Lisa Chiavolo 765-457-0571 x3019
Oct 28 - St. Cloud, MN  CONTACT: Michelle Lemke 320-310-2725
Oct 29 - Yakima, WA  CONTACT: Brian McCloud 509-457-1822
Nov 03 - Knoxville, TN  CONTACT: Clyde Vincent 865-546-4813
Nov 03 - Nashville, TN  CONTACT: Bill Burleigh 615-248-1981
Nov 04 - Kansas City, KS  CONTACT: Jennifer Gould 816-519-8805
Nov 05 - Lafayette, IN  CONTACT: Martina Sternberg 765-496-3469
Nov 05 - Prince George's County, MD  CONTACT: Ginger Miller 301-283-5268
Nov 08 - Mankato, MN  CONTACT: Susan Worlds 507-345-8258
Nov 09 - Flint, MI  CONTACT: Loma Harris 810-336-8612
Nov 09 - Las Vegas, NV  CONTACT: Gregory Abernathy 702-636-3000 x6054
Nov 11 - Osceola County, FL  CONTACT: Christie Bhageloe 407-742-7041
Nov 12 - Memphis, TN  CONTACT: William Jones 901-864-9516
Nov 12 - Dublin, GA  CONTACT: Elder Max M. Simmons

Information from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans