City of Bloomington Promotes the First Annual Monroe County VA Stand Down

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2011

For more information, please contact:
Kathy Mayer, Community and Family Resources Department, 349.3467, mayerk@bloomington.in.gov[mailto:mayerk@bloomington.in.gov]
Jared Schlemmer, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3406, schlemmj@bloomington.in.gov[mailto:schlemmj@bloomington.in.gov]

Bloomington, IN -- The City of Bloomington and Monroe County Hoosiers have a strong history of supporting our men and women in uniform. Now it is time for Indiana's organizations to continue that support after those men and women transition back to civilian life. Unfortunately, there are many veterans in our community who have been hit by tough economic conditions, life changes or other events leaving them homeless, near-homeless or low-income.

The First Annual Monroe County Stand Down Event is an effort to assist these veterans. The Stand Down is a one day event providing services such as food, clothing, health screenings, flu shots, haircuts, bus tickets, Veterans Affairs and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, including employment and substance abuse treatment, to veterans. Stand Downs are national collaborative events, coordinated among local VAs, government agencies and community agencies who serve the homeless.

The Monroe County VA Stand Down is an opportunity for in-need veterans seeking assistance to talk directly to community and governmental organizations. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at American Legion Post 18, 1800 W. Third Street in Bloomington. Lunch will be provided and the event is open to all veterans. Attendees must provide proof of veteran status in order to be admitted. Acceptable forms are DD 214 or a VA issued identification card. Free shuttle service to and from the Shalom Community Center will be provided throughout the day.

The first 100 veterans will receive a duffel bag with essential supplies including clothing, hygiene kits, blankets, gloves, scarves and additional basic supplies. For more information about the event, contact Maryjane McNabb at 317.496.9193. Organizations participating in the event include WorkOne Employment & Training Services, 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, IU School of Optometry, Monroe County VA Clinic, Shalom Community Center, Pure Style Hair Salon, Backstreet Missions, Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, Positive Link, Volunteers in Medicine, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, VA Hospital Community Rehab Services and Mobile Vet Center.

The event is sponsored in part by the VA, the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department, the Monroe County Red Cross, The American Legion Post 18 and Ivy Tech Community College.

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