Stand Down 2003

Sponsored by Interact Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless

Photo by Karen St. John Vincent

The Homeless Stand Down took place on Sunday February 9^th, 2003.  The event technically ran from 11am until 3pm, but was open at 9am after the interfaith service that took place at 8am.  Trinity Cathedral lent it’s space for the Stand Down.  The Stand Down originally began several years ago as a way to allow homeless people to come in from the cold for one day of the cold, harsh Cleveland winter.  They were provided for with donated food and clothing items.  Since that time, the Stand Down has grown drastically.

This year, the Stand Down was able to serve 475 homeless guests.  The guests were transported there from local shelters by outreach workers and others who donated their vehicles for this purpose.  Upon arrival, the homeless guests were registered and informed of the services available to them that day.  These services included a freshly prepared meal from one of Interact Cleveland's faith groups, clothing donated by InterAct Cleveland's plethora of Cleveland area fellowships, haircuts, massage, medical services (including blood pressure screening, glucose screening, eye screening, doctor and nurse consultations, foot screening, confidential HIV testing, and an Ask-a-nurse station), entertainment from an area choir, service provider tables open to take questions and inform the guests, fellowship with volunteers and fellow guests, a bagged lunch and bus pass when they checked out. 

At least 380 volunteers from Cleveland area faith communities, along with volunteers from the community and other agencies participated in planning and running the event.

For information about next year's Stand Down Please Contact:

NEOCH

3631 Perkins Ave 3A-3

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Phone: 216.432.0540

briandavis@neoch.org