The Military Family Research Institute helped to organized the Lafayette area’s first ever Stand Down in Lafayette, Ind., where more than 250 veterans and family members took advantage of the services and resources offered.
The event took place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 5 at Lafayette’s Central Presbyterian Church, 31 N. 7th St. Veterans and their families received health screenings, haircuts, goods and services, as well as information pertaining to VA benefits and employment. At least one family received assistance on their home mortgage.
The U.S. departments of Veteran Affairs (VA) and Housing and Urban wwwelopment (HUD) estimated that nearly 76,000 veterans were homeless on a given night in 2009. MFRI’s Stand Down for homeless veterans helped to provide services and outreach in collaboration with a variety of local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community members.
“MFRI would like to thank all those helped provide services and resources at this event,” said Martina Sternberg, assistant director of MFRI. “Without their help, this Stand Down could not have taken place.”
Indiana Rep. Sheila Klinker and Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski participated in opening ceremonies for the Stand Down. In addition to the wide variety of available services, guests were treated to live music and lunch.
Created during the Vietnam War, Stand Downs originally provided military members time away from the battlefield. Early Stand Downs allowed soldiers to rest from combat, take care of personal hygiene, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, and enjoy the camaraderie of battle buddies in a safe environment. In much the same spirit, this Stand Down was designed to give veterans a rest from the combat of homelessness.
The first Stand Down for homeless veterans was created in 1988 by a group of San Diego Vietnam veterans, according to the National Center for Homeless Veterans. Since then, such Stand Downs have become widely used in outreach and volunteer efforts on behalf of the homeless. The Lafayette event, which was part of the community’s contribution to the White House Interfaith Initiative for Campus and Community, was the kick-off event for the area’s Veteran Appreciation Week.