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THE HOMELESS STAND DOWN
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"Stand Down" is a military term, which describes soldiers taking care of other soldiers in a safe and secure place. It became an event for homeless veterans in 1988 in San Diego, California, but is now held in many cities across the nation. Cleveland was the first city to offer a Homeless Stand for both veterans and civilians in 1994. For some time, the event had been sponsored by the Veteran Affairs Domiciliary, but with budget cuts and changes in staff, the VA could no longer dedicate a staff person to planning the annual event. There was great potential in Cleveland's Homeless Stand Down, and those that attended were generally enthusiastic about the day's events. Providers in the community felt that it was a an important part of building a strong referral base. So, in 1996, NEOCH hired a coordinator to oversee the event with the mission of building on the collaboration of effort and spirit of assistance that has developed over the last two years by continuing to stage the Homeless Stand Down and educating the homeless as well as the service providers of the wealth of opportunities for breaking the cycle of homelessness.
In the fall of 2000, NEOCH partnered with InterAct Cleveland, a coalition of over 50 faith groups in the community, to host the second Stand Down of that year. Since then, InterAct has taken a major role in coordinating the event. InterAct utilizes it's wide member and volunteer base to bring committees together for the necessary planning. With the collaboration between NEOCH and InterAct, the service event that happens yearly has sought to develop a mission that promotes both organizations' role of advocacy in the community.
The one or two-day event provides hot meals, respite, and access to services which may assist in breaking the cycle of homelessness and encourage hope, vision, and health. A wide range of services are offered at the Stand Down, including hair cuts, medical, dental, and eye examinations, job-readiness training, alcohol and drug services, as well as legal assistance. There is also entertainment at the event, and most shelter/service providers are present to distribute information throughout the day.
The Stand Down in Cleveland typically attracts over 1,000 homeless individuals each year. Around 200 volunteers faithfully lend a hand to assure the success of the event.
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