Atlanta, GA Will Host the First Regional Homeless Stand Downs

Participants getting free haircuts

Originating in San Diego seventeen years ago, Stand Downs have by used by the Veterans Administration (VA) and its federal, state, local and community partners as an outreach event for thousands of homeless veterans. Stand Downs are typically one to three days of 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. More than 200,000 veterans and their family members have been assisted over the last decade.

The Region IV Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) in Atlanta, GA, is coordinating the first regional Stand Down at several locations throughout Atlanta. According to Mrs. Linda Watson, Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs' Southeast Network, (VISN 7), these Stand Downs will be open to all homeless individuals not just veterans and will offer an array of services ranging from medical and mental health screening to haircuts. The Stand Downs present an opportunity to open up new outreach sites and to target homeless populations that may have been underserved in the past. For instance, in Atlanta, Stand Downs will be held at the Atlanta Day Shelter for Woman and children and at the Latin American Association.

Between 10-15,000 homeless individuals have been served at past Stand Down in the Region. More than 4,000 volunteers from federal agencies including HUD, VA, DOL, HHS, Education, USDA, Energy and the Federal Executive Board have participated. The intent of this project is to be an all-inclusive response to serve the needs of homeless children, women and men in need of supportive services and resources.

This event will take place the week of October 23-30, 2004. The Stand Downs will be open to all veterans and homeless families, individuals, and families with children.

For more information contact Michael German, Interagency Homelessness Coordinator for HUD's Atlanta office at (404) 331-5001 extension 2147.

Friday, October 22
The Rock
276-302 Decatur St.
Atlanta, GA 30312
9 am -3 pm

Crossroads
420 Courtland St. N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30308
9 am -3 pm

Tuesday, October 26
Latin American Association
2750 Buford Highway
Atlanta, GA 30324
9 am -3 pm

Friday, October 29
Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children
655 Ethel Street N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30318
9 am -3 pm