Phoenix Stand Down: A Lifeline for Veterans

Overview

• The Phoenix Stand Down, organized by the Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance (AVSA) under the Arizona Housing Coalition, is one of the largest veteran resource events in the U.S.
• Held annually at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, it serves homeless and at-risk veterans, offering essential services to improve their well-being and stability.
• In 2024, more than 3,000 veterans and families benefited from AVSA-sponsored Stand Down events across Arizona​.

Essential Services Provided

Basic Needs & Health Support

• Free clothing, shoes, sleeping bags, and hygiene kits.
• On-site medical, dental, and mental health care.
• Addiction counseling and assistance with VA health benefits enrollment​.

Housing & Financial Assistance

• Help applying for HUD-VASH housing vouchers and Social Security benefits.
• Case managers assist with permanent housing applications.
• 150+ veterans were placed in permanent housing in 2024​.

Employment & Legal Services

• Job placement assistance, résumé help, and training through the Veteran’s Toolkit Program.
• Legal aid for outstanding warrants, child support cases, and benefits claims.
• In 2024, 390+ veterans secured jobs with Stand Down support​.

2024 Impact & Success Stories

Veterans Served & Supported

• 3,000+ veterans received services across Arizona.
• 400+ chronically homeless veterans received direct assistance.
• 170 newly housed veterans were provided move-in kits through partnerships​.

Ending Veteran Homelessness

• 1,100+ homeless veterans housed in Maricopa County since 2015.
• Project H3 Vets helped place 350+ of the most vulnerable veterans in stable housing.
• 1,000+ veterans received furniture when transitioning to permanent homes​.

Challenges Veterans Face

Limited Transportation

• VA does not provide transportation to the event.
• Veterans must rely on public transit, which can be unreliable or inaccessible.
• Many compare transit services unfavorably to those in cities like New York​.

Overwhelming Environment

• With 900+ veterans and hundreds of volunteers, the event can feel hectic and stressful.
• Some veterans struggle to focus on their priorities.
• Many split their visit over two days to better manage the experience​.

2025 Stand Down Events in Arizona

• Tucson StandDown – March 5-6, 2025
• Bullhead City StandDown – March 7, 2025
• Maricopa County StandDown – March 13-14, 2025
• Parker StandDown – March 14, 2025
• Verde Valley StandDown – March 26, 2025
• Page StandDown – April 23-24, 2025
• Kingman StandDown – May 2, 2025
• High Country StandDown (Flagstaff) – May 15, 2025​.

Community & Sponsor Support

Angry Crab Shack - "You Dine, We Donate" Campaign

• Donated $0.25 per dine-in guest at Arizona locations in July 2024.
• Raised $100,000 to fund veteran housing and support programs.
• Helped connect veterans and families to critical resources​.

Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services

• Funds veteran employment initiatives, benefiting 800+ veterans since 2017.
• Supports Project H3 Vets and furniture assistance for newly housed veterans.
• Assisted with furnishing over 1,000 homes for veterans​.

Opportunities for Improvement

Enhancing Accessibility

• Provide VA-sponsored transportation for veterans.
• Expand online pre-registration to reduce wait times.
• Improve signage to help veterans navigate services efficiently.

Increasing Long-Term Support

• Offer follow-up services after the event to track veteran progress.
• Expand mental health and addiction recovery resources.
• Strengthen job placement programs and career-building initiatives.

Final Thoughts

• The Phoenix Stand Down is a vital lifeline for homeless and struggling veterans.
• It connects veterans to critical services, housing programs, and employment support.
• Despite barriers like transportation and overcrowding, it continues to make a significant impact.
• With stronger community partnerships and expanded outreach, the Stand Down can help even more veterans rebuild their lives.