You ask… what is Stand Down? It is a joint operation between the VA MedicalCenter and Harbor Homes to aid and assist Homeless Veterans in their struggles. Together they can ignite the light of hope in a journey of darkness and with others who join this mission the light becomes brighter and brighter.
The Manchester VA Hospitaland the not-for-profit Harbor Homes are teaming up for an event in Nashua on Thursday September 28ththat will help homeless Veterans receive a great deal of intervention. This is carried out in an organized, structured discipline format whereby homeless Veterans are brought together in a single location to access community resources and supplies needed to begin addressing their individual problems and rebuilding their lives.
The event at Harbor Homes this year is the seventh annual “Homeless Veteran Stand Down.” It’s a chance for homeless veterans to pick up donatedwinter clothes, eat a free breakfast and lunch, and get haircuts and flu shots. There is also numerous agencies of support and assistance available eagerly ready to get them on track or at least going in the right direction.
Also on hand will be service providers from the VA Medical Center, including a nurse practitioner, a representative from the VA’s eligibility department, and someone who can help Veterans find permanent housing.
Robert Mottolaoversees homelessness and employment at the Manchester VA Medical Center. He believes it is important to get all these resources under one roof at a single event like Stand Down! Robert believes,
“At an event like this we are able to provide them with some new clothingitems, some military surplus items, and hopefully help them get through the winter. In addition there are other sources that are equipped with hygiene, toiletries, warm outer garments, towels,camping gear and other needed items that help them as well. Last year the Stand Down event attracted about 200 Veterans. Veterans are asked to bring proof of having served in the military. Upon their entrance they first come in contact with the assistance that is available
thru the VA and other supportive agencies.
They receive dental, medical advice, haircuts, breakfast and hot lunch as well as canned goods to take with them. Upon filtering thru all of these type of agencies they turn the corner and embrace other organizations ( like VFW Auxiliary), agencies, and assistance that have a large amount of donated items to place eagerly in their duffel bags that they cling to with items that make survival thru another winter here in New England a lot moretolerable……….
As they entered the hall so often they look scared, overwhelmed and unsure. As they exitthey no longer feel alone, hopeless or fear of tomorrow but instead they have a renewed sense of hope, they know there are people out there who care and most of all they are not forgotten! Yes, so many of them have lost their way but that beacon of light that now shines bright in their hearts has given them a renewed hope that tomorrow will be a new and better beginning.
We cannot change this in a day but each year coming together and being supportive of the Stand Down Event“Working Together for Our Veterans” we can and will make great strides in ending Veteran Homelessness……
One Day at a Time till One Day “Veteran Homelessness “shall be no more…… Thank you!
Madeline Dreusicke, Hospital Chairman
“Stand Down” VFW Auxiliary Representative