"As Long As There Are Veteran's, The Elks Will Never Forget Them"

For Immediate Release

STAND DOWN 2008

To be held:  Friday September 12, 2008

Location: Veterans’ Home,  287 West St.

Rocky Hill, CT  06067

Governor Rell announces ‘Stand Down 2008’for Veterans Will Be Held September 12

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that military veterans in Connecticut will have access to dozens of vital social outreach services during “Stand Down 2008” on Friday, September 12 at the State Veterans Home campus on West Street in Rocky Hill.

“This practical program delivers effective, accessible assistance to help needy veterans regain their independence and dignity,” Governor Rell said. “We must all work together to continue to combat veteran homelessness in America.”

Participating veterans will have access to services from more than 30 government and private agencies in one location including medical screenings, social service assistance, legal assistance with misdemeanors, job counseling and referrals, VA benefits information, driver's license renewals, haircuts and free clothing and supplies.

The Governor said last year 750 needy veterans participated in Stand Down at the Rocky Hill campus. She is encouraging veterans’ organizations, social service advocates and public health professionals around the state to reach out to veterans who could benefit from the program and help get them to the event next month.

“Letting homeless and needy veterans know about this special day of assistance and helping with their transportation is essential. You can make a difference by registering and following up with just one veteran in need,” Governor Rell said.

It is estimated that there are more than 200,000 homeless veterans in the United States, representing about 25 to 30 percent of the nation's total homeless population. The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs is the largest provider of direct services to homeless veterans in the state providing residency to a daily average of 370 veterans.

“As the economy continues to tighten, more and more veterans of all ages are struggling to maintain an acceptable quality of life. Stand Down offers a safe haven for any veteran in need to gain valuable information and assistance,” said state Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda S. Schwartz.

Needy veterans or their advocates can pre-register and receive more information by calling 1-800-550-0000, Extension 5833 or by visiting www.ct.gov/ctva. However, pre-registration is not required to attend Stand Down.

Free transportation for veterans is available from pick-up locations around the state. Key urban areas to be served include Bridgeport, Hartford, Meriden, New Haven, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, and Waterbury.

Organizations and individuals interested in contributing resources or services to Stand Down 2008 are asked to contact the Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-550-0000, Extension 5826.

The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs, in conjunction with state, federal and private agencies, is the lead sponsor of Stand Down. Supporting state agencies include the Connecticut Departments of Banking, Labor, Higher Education, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Motor Vehicles, Public Health, Social Services, Transportation, Office of the Chief Public Defender, and the Judicial Branch. Participating Federal agencies include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Social Security Administration.

“People are always asking ‘what can we do to help support our veterans?’” said Governor Rell. “Get involved in Stand Down is one important way you can help. Too many veterans are homeless and out of work across this country.”

STAND DOWN 2008 FACTS

What is Connecticut STAND DOWN? 

STAND DOWN is a one-day outreach and support program sponsored by the State of Connecticut which enables needy and homeless veterans to receive services and information from over 30 state, federal and private organizations all assembled in one location.  STAND DOWN is not a veterans benefits fair for the general public.    

When and where will STAND DOWN 2008 be held? 

STAND DOWN will be held on Friday, September 12, 2008 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the State Veterans’ Home campus, 287 West Street, in Rocky Hill. 

What type of assistance and services are available at STAND DOWN?

Medical screenings and services; dental exams and services; legal assistance and court proceedings for misdemeanors; housing referrals; assistance with Federal VA benefits and disability claims; job counseling and training information; social security and social service benefits; financial assistance and debt counseling; higher education programs and services; mental/behavioral health counseling; motor vehicle licenses and ID cards; free haircuts; free clothing and supplies. 

What are some of the participating agencies and organizations? 

Connecticut Departments of Banking, Labor, Higher Education, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Motor Vehicles, Public Health, Social Services, Transportation, the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund, Office of the Chief Public Defender, and the Judicial Branch.  Participating Federal agencies include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Social Security Administration. Other contributing organizations include the CT Coalition to End Homelessness, Yale School of Nursing, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Who is eligible to receive assistance at STAND DOWN? 

Needy and struggling veterans living in Connecticut who have an honorable discharge from service in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to attend.  Unfortunately, Stand Down cannot serve family members. 

Do I have to pre-register to attend STAND DOWN? 

Pre-registration is NOT required but it IS strongly encouraged.  Pre-registration will save you time upon arriving at STAND DOWN and can help staff match you up with available transportation.  Veterans may register by sending in the pre-registration form or by calling 1-800-550-0000 X5833. 

Is there any cost to attend STAND DOWN? 

No, there is no cost to attend STAND DOWN.  However, there may be a fee for some of the services available to veterans, such as renewing a driver’s license.   A free hot lunch meal will also be served to all attending veterans. 

Is there available transportation to STAND DOWN?

Yes, free transportation will be available from designated locations in the state’s major urban centers including Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, East Harford, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Meriden, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, West Haven, and Waterbury.  Most busses depart for Rocky Hill in the between 6 and 7 a.m. and will return you to the same location in the afternoon.  If you need assistance or information about transportation, please pre-register with the CT Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  Veterans are also encouraged to contact their local social service directors, veterans’ counselors and shelter managers about available transportation from their area.   

If I have my own vehicle, is there parking available?

Yes, free parking is available for attending veterans – however, carpooling is strongly encouraged. 

Do I need to bring anything to participate in STAND DOWN?

Attending veterans are asked to bring any available forms of identification and a copy of your DD214 (Certificate of Discharge from Active Duty), if you have it available.  There is absolutely no alcohol, drugs or weapons, including pocket knives/switchblades, allowed on the grounds of the State Veterans Home. 

How can I pre-register or get more information about STAND DOWN 2008?

To register or obtain more information, call 1-800-550-0000 X5833/5832 or (860) 721-5833/5832.  Also, additional information is posted at www.ct.gov/ctva. 

Click Here for the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Stand Down 2008 Pre-Registration Form

ANY QUESTIONS CALL:  1-800-550-0000, Ext. 5832

MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO :  

James J. McKinnon III

Director of Residential Services

State Department of Veterans’ Affairs

287 West Street

Rocky Hill, CT  06067

OR FAX COMPLETED FORM TO:  1-860-721-5929

(This is a list of the Nationally sanctioned Veterans-oriented projects.  Many more have been established on a state-to-state and Lodge-to-Lodge basis.)