Stand-down Success

What is a Stand-down? When I served in the Navy, we had "safety stand-downs" to address different issues from using proper equipment on the job to taking advantage of the local designated driver program (if one was available). Stand-down in nautical terms comes from turning duty over to another, going off-duty or the end of an evolution at sea (like a replenishment). Today's Stand-down events come from the R&R (rest and relaxation) given to some combat troops. "The original Stand Down for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. 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. Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being." http://www.nchv.org/standdown.cfm (The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) provides national leadership for the movement.) "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 members between 1994-2000." http://www1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=6 Though the primary focus of Stand-downs are homeless veterans, I find that Stand-downs are open to meeting the needs of any veteran and their significant others. Also, Stand-downs allow an opportunity for veterans to contribute to the cause. Many veterans participate in the planning and development process as well as volunteering during the event. Services range from showers, benefits information to pet services. Vets have a place to stay during the event if they wish. Local agencies table and provide services creating a web of veteran-specific and general population and other criteria-based providers. The Stand-down in Humboldt County, the North Coast Stand-down, is similar to other events while meeting more region-specific needs; for example, every year there is a sweat lodge and this year I was able to spend time in the open art space. My understanding is that our local Stand-down's director for the first couple years was Kim Hall, who is now a graduate of Humboldt State University's social work graduate program. My views as a veteran, service provider & volunteer: Not only is this an accessible "one-stop shop" for the veteran, I think it also allows service providers a great networking opportunity, which can only benefit the community. It is important that such events be accessible and worth someone's while (lots of services available and the option the stay overnight). While people (veteran or non-veteran) experiencing homelessness, have similar issues across the board such as a lack of affordable housing, transportation is a much larger issue in rural communities. (Luckily shuttles were provided to this event.) "Nearly 80% of rural counties have no public bus service, compared to 2% of urban counties" (Scales & Streeter, 2004, p. 243). Lack of transportation can affect people's employment opportunities and access to health care, mental health and other support services. It has been important for me as a provider who is a veteran, to identify community "allies"--non-veterans who are concerned about veterans needs and their treatment in the community. They should be recognized! Though I recognize there may be more representation in some areas than others (such as an overrepresentation of people from lower income groups/working class) veterans are made up from a spectrum of people representing different ethnicities, cultures, beliefs, values, religion, spirituality, ages, genders, sexual orientation, socioeconomic groups, political views, etc. Understanding that Veterans are a unique group, a demographical group within the population comprised of other demographical groups sets the stage for more appropriate services/interventions. Stand-downs bring veterans together as they were during there service. I think it reminds the more priviledged veterans that their are still fellow veterans--brothers and sisters--in need. It also allows for veterans in need to know that they are not forgotten and there is help. Need more info? Some places to look... NCHV.org website & Homeless Veterans Program Office (VA) at 202-461-7401. article on local event:http://www.redwoodtimes.com/ci_13301412?source=most_viewed This year's t-shirt.