2nd Annual East County Veteran's Stand Down

The Salvation Army's Home Front War Relief program, in conjunction with Worksource O(regon, Gresham Ford, The Chapel, the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce, the Oregon National Guard Reintegration Team and may others are currently organizing our 2nd Annual Stand Down event for East Multnomah County.

In the military, "Stand Down" is a term used when battle-weary soldiers are afforded the opportunity to renew their spirits, health and overall sense of well being. Stand Down events are now held all over the country, many with the focus on reaching out to our homeless Veterans. Also of January, 2011, there were over 67,400 homeless Veterans in this country. Of those 1,337 live in Oregon. Our intent is to connect these men and women withthe benefits they've earned, make them aware of the various community services available, and hopefully find them housing.

Our first Stand Down was held on October 15th, 2011 at The Chapel in Troutdale and was ahuge success; we served 176 veterans, filled 75 clothing vouchers, provided 37 haircuts, all free of charge. This year we hope to serve twice as many individuals and families.