Bringing the Community and Veterans Together

The Power of Stand Downs

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Stand Downs are community-driven initiatives that offer comprehensive assistance to veterans, particularly those experiencing homelessness or financial instability. Rather than forcing veterans to navigate multiple agencies, Stand Downs centralize these services, ensuring quick and efficient support. The success of Stand Downs in cities like Phoenix demonstrates their potential in addressing veteran homelessness and unemployment.

At these events, listed are just a few services veterans receive:

• Veteran Affairs claims assistance
• Medical and dental care
• Mental health and substance abuse counseling
• Housing assistance and legal aid
• Job training and employment resources
• Clothing, hygiene products, and haircuts
• Veterinary care

Phoenix: A Model for NYC

Phoenix, located in Maricopa County, has a veteran population of 245,171—one of the highest in the country. Each year, the city hosts one of the largest Stand Downs in the nation, serving thousands of veterans. At this event, veterans are given wristbands identifying their specific needs, ensuring that they receive targeted services instead of getting lost in a sea of resources.

The Phoenix VA Health Care System, which serves over 130,000 veterans, plays a crucial role in the Stand Down’s success. Partnering with veteran service organizations, non-profits, and government agencies, the event provides a one-stop-shop for support.

The Case for a NYC Stand Down

Despite its large veteran population, New York City lacks a Stand Down on the scale of Phoenix’s event. The city’s fragmented support system makes it difficult for veterans to access the services they need. Hosting a large-scale Stand Down in NYC could help bridge this gap.

Based on participation rates from Phoenix, an estimated 5-7% of NYC veterans would attend a Stand Down, meaning 7,000 to 10,000 veterans could benefit from such an event each year. The follow-up from such an event would create more veterans seeking access to resources, improve moral of homeless veterans, and improve public sentiment and increase the number of veterans who self-identify.

How NYC Can Implement a Stand Down

• Collaboration – Partner with the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services, VA hospitals, and non-profits to create a coordinated effort.
• Strategic Location – Use accessible venues like the Javits Center or Brooklyn Army Terminal to accommodate a large turnout.
• Targeted Outreach – Work with homeless shelters, veteran groups, and social service agencies to ensure maximum participation.
• Comprehensive Services – Offer medical care, housing support, job placement services, and legal aid.
• Follow-Up Assistance – Ensure veterans receive ongoing support after the event.

Timothy Pena is a service-connected disabled Navy veteran for PTSD and has written about his experiences with mental health, homelessness, and the judicial system. Suffering mental illness, he initially visited NYC to collaborate on a documentary for veteran suicide but decided to stay after realizing he would rather be homeless in NYC than dead in Phoenix. He has been writing stories and blogs about his journey from “homeless to homeness” in the NYC Dept of Homeless Services system and possible corruption within DHS and Veterans Affairs Grant & Per Diem Transitional Program.