The Stand Down event provides at-risk and homeless veterans with community-oriented resources in a single location.
“One of the challenges for men and women who are experiencing a housing crisis is the thought of hopelessness and the idea that I get sent from one place to another and there’s nothing there.”
John Koch is the Veteran Justice Outreach Coordinator for Veterans Affairs.
“But if I can come and get all of my resources in one place, whether it’s housing, getting benefits started, food, all of these in one spot, then I can leave with a sense of purpose.”
150 to 200 veterans are provided with a multitude of services including health screenings and employment opportunities.
The name “Stand Down” has its origins in the Vietnam War, when combat units were removed from the battlefield to a place of safety and security to rest and recuperate.
“They care about their vets, and Grand Rapids is one of the best communities that I’ve seen that does that.”
Albert Kidd, Jr. is a Navy veteran who says, without this event, he would struggle to discover resources.
“There’s no better way for the vets to receive so much information, help if they need it, all at one time.”
Nearly 50 service providers participated in Stand Down.
