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North Idaho Veterans Stand Down coming in May |
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March 16, 2017 |
The 24th North Idaho Veterans Stand Down will be
held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at
the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 North
Government Way, Coeur d’Alene. The event kicks
off a program created by St. Vincent de Paul to
assist veterans and their families in Eastern
Washington and the five North Idaho counties
with services throughout the year.
The original Stand Down for Veterans was modeled
after the Stand Down concept used during the
Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units
returning from combat.
Today, Stand Down refers to a community-based
intervention program to assist all veterans who
are homeless or at risk of being homeless with
information and services.
The North Idaho Veterans Stand Down also
incorporates services for veterans’ dependents.
Veterans will have the opportunity to meet
personally with VA healthcare and benefits
representatives. Organizations that provide
medical, dental, counseling, housing, clothing,
clothing repair, food assistance, haircuts,
massages, and bike repair will be available. A
hot meal will be served to all attendees,
volunteers and service providers. Employers with
job openings will also be present. Homeless
veterans will be eligible to receive military
surplus.
The Stand Down is a time for the community to
connect with the homeless veteran population and
address this crisis that affects every city and
state in this country. The “Hand Up, Not a
Handout” philosophy of the Stand Down is carried
out through the work of volunteers and
organizations in North Idaho.
To volunteer, request more information or for
veterans’ assistance, please contact Eric
Swanbeck, Veteran Services Coordinator at St.
Vincent de Paul, (208) 664-3095 or email at
eric@stvincentdepaulcda.org. |
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