 
"Stand Down" Event for Homeless Veterans Provides Resources and Support on September 6
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (August 28, 2024) – On Friday, September 6, Kent County Veterans Services will host its annual Homeless Veterans "Stand Down" event from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at their office located at 836 Fuller Ave. The event is open to the public, and all veterans and their families are welcome to attend.
The "Stand Down" event will provide at-risk and homeless veterans with community-oriented resources in a single location, ranging from short-term assistance to long-term solutions to the challenges they face. The mission is to create an event for veterans where volunteers provide food, clothing, and health screenings to homeless and at-risk veterans. In addition, this celebration serves as an opportunity for veterans to access essential information for claims, health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling and other essential services.
“Kent County is deeply committed to supporting our veterans, especially those who are most vulnerable,” said Ryan Grams, Interim Director of Kent County Veterans Services. “Our veterans have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and it’s our duty and privilege to provide them with the resources and assistance they need. We are proud to partner with local organizations who share our commitment to caring for our veterans and this event is a meaningful way for us to help tackle the challenges they encounter as a community.”
The "Stand Down" event name has its origins in the Vietnam War, when, in times of war, combat units were removed from the battlefield to a place of relative security and safety to rest and recuperate. This recovery model inspired Vietnam veterans Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon Nachison to develop the first "Stand Down" in 1988 with the support of Vietnam Veterans of San Diego.
On September 6, nearly 50 service providers plan to participate in the Kent County event, including federal, state, and community agencies, as well as veteran support groups.
To learn more about the event and the resources available, please contact Rachel Wustman, Community Outreach Specialist at Kent County Veterans Services, at rachel.m.wustman@kentcountymi.gov or 616-632-5257.
“Veterans won’t have to go from one agency to another to access the services they
need,” Gram added. “For one day, everything will be in one place. Nationally, “Stand Down" events like this are one of the nation’s most valuable outreach tool for veterans who are homeless or marginally housed and we are happy to be a part of this initiative.”
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