October 30, 2009

Greetings,

I would like to take this opportunity to invite your organization to participate in our first annual COWTOWN STAND DOWN. This event is a Resource Fair for Homeless Veterans. It was founded by 2 veterans with a vision to help their comrades who are struggling, who have lost their homes, their dignity, and their ability to lead productive lives. Homeless veterans are brought together in a single location and are provided access to the community resources needed to begin addressing their individual problems and rebuilding their lives.

            We would like to extend your organization an invitation to set up a table and present your services to these homeless veterans. The event is scheduled for December 15, 2009 at the Resource Connection Gym (2300 Circle Drive). Doors will open around 8:00 am for set up with the veterans entering around 9:00 am. It will last until 2:00 pm allowing us an hour to vacate the premises. Please feel free to bring handouts and/or any items that the veterans can take with them. We will need to confirm that you will be participating by November 20, 2009. This will allow us time to assign space and obtain the correct amount of tables that will be warranted.

            In advance, we would like to thank you for considering this opportunity to help our veterans who deserve a chance to pick up the pieces.

            I have attached a copy of the flyer for the event to be distributed. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Triva Watts or Erick Bouie with the Homeless Veterans Program (817-255-7150).

“A HELPING HAND FOR HOMELESS VETERANS”

HOMELESS STAND DOWN 2009
FACT SHEET

1. What is a Stand Down?

In time of war exhausted combat units, requiring time to rest and recover, were removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety.  Homeless Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help homeless “combat” life on the streets.  It is a hand up, not a handout philosophy.  The event is carried out through the work of hundreds of volunteers and organizations throughout the city.  Stand Downs are conducted Nation Wide.

2. What is the history of Stand Down?

The concept of Stand Down, as related specifically to the homeless veteran crisis, was the brainchild of two Vietnam Veterans, Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon Nachison.  The first Stand Down was held in Sand Diego during the summer of 1988.  It is estimated that as many as 100,000 homeless veterans have received assistance at Stand Downs.

3. What happens at a Stand Down?

Hundreds of homeless veterans are provided with a broad range of necessities including, but is not limited to:  medical, legal and mental health assistance, job counseling and referral, and most importantly, companionship and camaraderie.  It is a time for the community to connect with the homeless population and address this crisis that affects each and every town, city and state in this country.

4. How does the community benefit from this event?

The community benefits in the following ways:

• Brings agencies and community together to address the needs of the homeless.
• It addresses the City of Fort Worth Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness through a concerted effort by agencies and volunteers, to educate and inform the homeless of services available within their community.
• It links the homeless person with services on site.
• It encourages a continuum of care model with collaboration among agencies.

5. What does it take to stage a Stand Down?

All it really takes for a community to organize a stand down is a group of dedicated agencies and volunteers committed to assisting homeless individuals improve their quality of life.

• This year’s first annual Cowtown Homeless Stand Down will be held on Tuesday, December 15th at Resource Connection in the Gym from 9:00a.m to 3:00 p.m. and volunteers are needed for the event starting at 8:00am for the day of the event. 

For More Information, please contact Triva Watts or Erick Bouie at the FW Homeless Veterans Program at 817-255-7150 (triva.watts@va.org or erick.bouie@va.org)

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