Stand Down
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.
Volunteers are needed.
Veterans Village of San Diego, will host the annual Stand Down 2009, July 17-19. To make contributions or donations,
e-mail: Darcy Pavich , or call her at (619) 497-0142.
- To volunteer for security call, 619-393-2012
- For general volunteer line call, 619-393-2011
The first 650 homeless Veterans are welcome. Please pre-register to ensure services.
Where do I apply to attend Stand Down?
You may apply from 1 May through 1 July at one of the following locations:
Veterans Village of San Diego
4141 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA |
St. Vincent de Paul Village
1501 Imperial Ave.
San Diego, CA |
South County Career Center
1111 Bay Blvd.
Chula Vista, CA |
San Diego Vet Center
2790 Truxtun Rd. Suite 130
San Diego, CA |
VA Regional Office
8810 Rio San Diego Dr.
San Diego, CA |
Neil Good Day Center
299 17th Street
San Diego, CA |
New Resolve Program
1207 S. Escondido Blvd.
Escondido, CA |
San Marcos Vet Center
1 Civic Center Dr. Suite 150
San Marcos, CA |
View Stand Down - A Step by Step Procedural Manual [4.75 MB pdf], written by , Dr. Jon Nachison, Robert Van Keuren and Richard Talbott, the original Stand Down organizers.
We would also enjoy hearing from you. Feel free to email us at info@vvsd.net.
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