Stand Down

ABOUT

South Central Indiana VA Stand Down Stand Downs are one part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to provide services to homeless veterans. Stand Downs are typically one to three day events providing services to homeless Veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment. Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless. The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam Veterans in San Diego. Since then, Stand Downs have been used as an effective tool in reaching out to homeless Veterans, reaching more than 200,000 Veterans and their family member’s between1994-2000. VA’s Commitment to End Veteran Homelessness Veteran homelessness is a problem of national importance. According to a count on a January night in 2011, there were 67,495 homeless Veterans. And an estimated 144,842 Veterans spent at least one night in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program in a recent year. Because of this, in 2009, President Obama and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced the federal government’s goal to end Veteran homelessness by 2015. Together with our partners and supporters nationwide, VA is determined to meet that challenge. Through the Homeless Veterans Initiative, VA committed $800 million in FY 2011 to strengthen programs that prevent and end homelessness among Veterans. VA provides a range of services to homeless Veterans, including health care, housing, job training, and education. There are a variety of reasons why Veterans are homeless and VA is committed to providing solutions to put an end to this problem. All Americans can join the fight to end Veteran homelessness and make sure all Veterans have access to the resources and support they’ve earned. Everyone who works with Veterans has a role in ensuring their success. From the justice community to health care providers, from nonprofit organizations to the faith community, from neighbors to family members and employers, we can all be partners in ending Veteran homelessness. South Central Indiana VA Stand Down Frequently Asked Questions Stand Down Event • Proof of veteran status is required for entry to the event. *Veterans must bring their DD214 or VA-issued ID card. • Registration is required to participate! Refreshments • The American Legion Post 18 will be providing lunch to all participating Veterans, their families, the planning committee members, agency representatives, and volunteers starting at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. • Water, Tea, and Coffee will be available during the event. Registration – 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. • Located at the front entrance to the American Legion. • A folder with information and event documents for the VA Stand Down will be supplied to you at registration. • Registration and VA Status Check-In must be verified before you can receive any take home supplies. Photos • There may be several Volunteers and Media taking picture of the event. If you prefer not to be on film please inform the staff. Severe Weather • In the event of severe weather an announcement will be made by an American Legion Representative providing instructions on emergency shelter procedures. Transportation • Shuttle service will be available to/from Shalom Community Center, 620 S. Walnut in 15 minute increments. Media – VIP • All Media, and VIP’S please check in at the Information Table located main room. Volunteers • Volunteers please register with the volunteer coordinator at the registration table for assignment opportunity. Smoking • The American Legion is a non-smoking facility. The back deck is allocated for smoking. All other areas are designated non-smoking. Thank you. Alcohol Beverages • No Alcohol beverages are allowed. • The American Legion bar will be closed for the event. Telephone • No public phones are available. Miscellaneous • PARKING – NO PARKING in the Parking Lot Spaces Blocked Off for the Mobile Unit. • First Aid – see the Information Table. • Restroom facilities are available in the Main Dinning room and near the back dining hall. • Lost & Found will be at the Information Table. • Lost Child – report to the stage so that an announcement can be made by the Emcee. (See reverse side for Schedule of the Day & Agency Representation information) Schedule for the Day Agency Registration 9 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. - additional registries’ please check-in at the information table Agency Orientation 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. - late arrival’s please check-in at the information table Welcome, Opening Remarks – Event Begins - Military Ceremony 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 • Kathy Mayer, Larry Squires & American Legion Post 18 Commander Dick Dunbar • Posting of Colors - American Legion Post 18 • Prayer – • Pledge of Allegiance – • National Anthem • Moment of Silence - all Main Stage – Emcee –Kathy Mayer, Community Volunteer 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mess Hall – Entertainment 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – 11:15-11:30 p.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - provided by the American Legion Post 18 (thank you!!!) Closing Remarks 1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Kathy Mayer, Larry Squires Event Debriefing 2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Thank you to our Participating Agencies and Individuals: • American Legion Post 18 • Backstreet Mission • Bloomington Housing Authority • Bloomington Public Transportation Corp. • Bloomington Workforce Development • Brown County Veterans Service Officer • Bureau of Motor Vehicles Outreach Mobile Unit • Dept. of Veteran Affairs • Disabled American Veteran's Department of Indiana • Dr. Robin Roberts DDS • Family and Social Services Administration • In. National Guard Family Programs • Indiana Legal Services • Indiana National Guard - Transition Assistance Advisor • Indiana University School of Nursing • Indiana University School of Optometry • Indianapolis VA Hospital-Healthevet sign up • Ivy Tech Bloomington • Jacob Atz Law Office • Mobile Vet Center • Positive Link • Pure Style Hair Salon • Richard Roudebush VA Hosp. Community rehab section • Shalom Center • Social Security Administration • St. Vincent de Paul Society • The Military Order of the Purple Heart • The Salvation Army • Trinity Episcopal Church • VA Clinic - Bloomington VA CBOC • Vet to Vet • Veterans Service Officer • Volunteers in Medicine • Volunteers of America • Work One South Central • Indiana State Police