City of Bloomington Promotes Third Annual South Central Indiana VA Stand Down

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 10, 2013

For more information, please contact:

Kathy Mayer, Program Specialist, Community and Family Resources Department, City of Bloomington, 812.349.3467, mayerk@bloomington.in.gov

City of Bloomington Promotes Third Annual South Central Indiana VA Stand Down

Bloomington, Ind. - Bloomington and Monroe County residents have a strong history of supporting our men and women in uniform. Unfortunately, many veterans have experienced personal and economic difficulties as they've returned to civilian life, leaving them homeless, near-homeless, or living in poverty.

In an effort to help these men and women who have given so much to our country, the City of Bloomington will help sponsor the Third Annual South Central Indiana VA Stand Down. This one-day event will offer many vital services to local veterans including food, clothing, health screenings, flu shots, bus tickets, VA and Social Security benefits counseling and referrals to employment and substance abuse treatment. The Stand Down project is a national, collaborative effort between local VAs, other government agencies and community organizations who serve the homeless.

The South Central Indiana VA Stand Down is a chance for veterans who need assistance to talk directly to community and governmental organizations.

Who: Open to all homeless veterans and/or veterans struggling with homelessness and poverty. Attendees must provide proof of their veteran status in order to be admitted - acceptable forms are DD 214 or VA issued identification card.

Where: American Legion, Post 18

1800 W. Third St.

Bloomington, IN 47404

When: Thursday, Oct. 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Details: Information will be available to Hoosier veterans seeking assistance with food, clothing, medical help, employment services, veterans affairs claims, Social Security cards, food stamps and other services.

Veterans who attend the event will receive essential supplies such as clothing, hygiene kits, blankets, gloves, scarves and other basic necessities.

The Shalom Community Center, 620 S. Walnut St., will provide free shuttle service to and from the event every 15 minutes.

Participating organizations for this year's VA Stand Down include:

• WorkOne Employment &Training Services Bloomington Housing Authority

• Bloomington Public Transportation Corp.

• St Vincent de Paul Society

• Trinity Episcopal Church

• Brown County Veterans Service

• Disabled American Veterans Dept of America

• Volunteers in Medicine

• Ivy Tech Community College

• Dr. Robin Roberts D.D.S.

• Indiana National Guard Transitional Assistance

• Indiana University School of Optometry

• Indiana University School of Nursing

• Lydia Prescott Chapter of Colonial Dames VXII Century

• The Salvation Army

• Trinity Episcopal Church

• Indiana National Guard Family Programs

• Family and Social Service Administration

• Social Security Administration

• Indiana Legal Services

• Jacob Atz Law Office

• Dept. of Veteran Affairs

• Indianapolis Vet Center

• Monroe County VA Clinic

• Shalom Community Center

• Pure Style Hair Salon

• Backstreet Missions

• Volunteers of America

• Positive Link

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Vet to Vet

• Mobile Vet Center

• American Legion Post 18

Other sponsors include the VA HUD-VASH, the City of Bloomington's Community and Family Resources Department, Monroe County Chapter of the Red Cross, Ivy Tech Community College and the Indiana University School of Nursing.

For more information about the event, contact Maryjane McNabb at 317.496.9193 or maryjane.mcnabb@va.gov and Kathy Mayer at 349.3467 or mayerk@bloomington.in.gov.

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