What is a Veterans Stand Down?

In war time, exhausted combat troops were removed from battlefields to places of security and safety for rest and recovery. At home, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 48,000 homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets.  "Stand Down" began in San Diego in 1988 and 28 years later, that organization has had many successes, including a 2010 “60 Minutes” feature. There are now over 200 Stand Downs in the U.S.  Stand Downs connect our most vulnerable Veterans to the community and help begin to break down the barriers that keep many on the streets. The “hand up, not a handout” philosophy of the Stand Down requires the work of countless volunteers, businesses and local, state and national organizations.

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What is The Portland Stand Down?

The Portland Stand Down - the largest in Oregon – is designed to honor and support Veterans in our community who have fallen upon hard times. The event, will be held at the Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2016.  In 2015, over 450 homeless and at-risk of homelessness Veterans and their families attended Portland’s Stand Down.  The Stand Down helps men and women who have served in the military access essential supportive services, employment and connections to local, state, and federal support systems available to them. This community-led partnership combines local nonprofits, government officials, corporations and businesses, as well as veterans themselves.

 

Where does the Stand Down take place?

The 2016 Stand Down will be held once again at the Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum, located at 300 N Winning Way, Portland, OR  97227.  Transportation to the site can be provided.  Free parking will be available in one of the Rose Quarter parking structures.

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What happens at the Stand Down?

Registration: Opens at 8:00am.  NOTE: Pre-registration is not necessary.

Food & Beverage: Breakfast from 8:00-10:30 am is available, lunch will be served at 12:00 pm. Coffee will be available in the morning and water will be available all day.

Program: Following a Color Guard presentation at 9:00 am, Portland government  representatives, Transition Projects Executive Director and Veteran VIP’s give brief comments.

Service Providers: Programs, services, outreach and support of all kinds geared specifically to  Veterans and their families are available. Representatives are on-hand to register Veterans, give out materials and check in with each Veteran. Medical, dental, and vision services; all Veterans organizations that have programs and services; barbers; pet services.

Job Fair: Local, regional and national companies attend with jobs in hand. Veterans can interview on site. Suits, shirts, and ties are available to be fitted at the event for Veterans to leave with for future interviews.

Food Pantry: Non-perishable food items are available to choose from.

Legal Services: A full complement of legal services are available including attorneys and judge to

review, guide, and work with Veterans on offenses on their record – some with the possibility of expungement. 

Surplus: Military surplus and non-military are available such as such as socks, underwear, socks, t-shirts, jackets, backpacks, boots, etc…

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How long is the Stand Down?

The Stand Down runs from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Registration begins at 8:00 am with complementary coffee and breakfast  available.

 

Who attends the Stand Down?

Transition Projects invites anyone who identifies as a Veteran to attend the Portland Stand Down.

 

Will childcare be available?

Yes, complimentary childcare will be available on-site. We ask that parent(s) contact Transition Projects to sign up for this service. To make your reservation: please contact Lauren Holt at Lauren.Holt@tprojects.org or call 503.280.4741.

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How do I register as a Veteran for this year’s event?

Veterans do not need to pre-register for the event.  All registration will be done on-site as Veterans arrive.

 

How do Service Providers get to have a presentation table or area at the event?

Service Providers are required to register on-line to participate in the Veterans Stand Down.  Once you/your organization fills out the form we will confirm your attendance at the event.  Please go to the front page under “Service Providers” to register.  We want to plan on your attendance, help guide you to your spot and follow-up with you on any additional needs you may have for the event. 

 

How do I volunteer for The Stand Down?

Thank you for considering becoming a volunteer this year!  Visit the “Volunteer” page of this website for more details and to register. You may also contact Lauren Holt, Development Associate/Volunteer Coordinator at Lauren.Holt@tprojects.org. Volunteers will be required to attend a one-hour mandatory training the week of the event.

 

Who do I contact about becoming a sponsor and/or donating needed items to The Stand Down?

Thank you for considering becoming a sponsor!  Visit the “Sponsorship” page of this website for more details. 

Please contact: Roma Peyser, Director of Development at Roma.Peyser@tprojects.org or call 503.280.4667.