Maine Veterans Standdown scheduled for four locations in October

AUGUSTA – The third annual Mobile Homeless Veterans’ Standdown will be held across the state during October, hosted by the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The first priority of the Stand Downs is to provide veterans with connection to housing. Working with partner organizations, the event will also offer access to new winter clothes and boots, VA and state benefits, nonperishable food, haircuts, employment opportunities, and will provide a free lunch to attendees.
“VA and the Bureau are bringing the mobile stand downs to new locations in Maine this year to be closer to veterans at risk,” said Medical Center Director Tracye Davis. “It takes a community to solve a crisis such as veteran homelessness. Collaborating with our partners and our shared mission is the only way we can make a meaningful impact.”
The 2022 Mobile Homeless Veterans’ Stand Downs will be held rain or shine:
Wednesday, Oct. 5 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Reny’s parking lot; 175 High St, Ellsworth.
Wednesday, Oct. 12 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Togus VA Medical Center; 1 VA Center, Augusta.
Wednesday, Oct. 19 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hannaford, 295 Forest Ave, Portland.
Wednesday, Oct. 26 — Sanford Vet Center. 628 Main St, Springvale.
Veterans Benefits Administration Executive Director Jennifer Bover said, “It is our sincere intent to ensure every veteran has a safe place to call home and is provided with needed support and resources. Please pass the word and come see us at one of the four locations below.”
Veteran advocacy groups supporting the event include: MBVS, VA Maine Healthcare System, Veterans Benefits Administration, VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement, Vet Centers, Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Operation Brotherhood, Career Centers, Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, V.E.T.S. Trailers, Maine Veterans in Need, Volunteers of America, Sports and Clips, Veterans Inc., Preble Street, and the Salvation Army.
For more information, visit maine.gov/veterans or contact the bureau at 207-287-7020 or mainebvs@maine.gov.