NEW: Homeless Veterans Event This Weekend
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Operation Stand Down RI (OSDRI) will hold its 18th Annual Stand Down on September 16 and continuing through the 17th, and 18th. The annual Stand Down is an event where homeless and at risk veterans throughout RI and southern New England come together at Diamond Hill Park and live in a military style encampment for the weekend.
While at the event, the veterans take advantage of a wide array of services including medical, dental, employment, clothing, disability, legal, spiritual, housing, and VA benefits. In addition, Johnson and Wales University provides meals for the veterans. For the first time in Stand Down history, the Rhode Island Judiciary will join Stand Down and hold special sessions of the various courts to assist veterans.
Operation Stand Down was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1993 to combat homelessness in the veteran community. The organization is run by veterans for veterans and has grown from a one weekend a year event into a 365 day a year nonprofit organization that houses homeless veterans throughout the State of Rhode Island. OSDRI offers support to struggling veterans by providing food, rental assistance and referrals. Presently, OSDRI owns and operates 6 veterans’ houses accommodating 43 veterans and their families. To further meet the growing demand for veteran housing, OSDRI is in the process of acquiring another property in Westerly.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Last year OSDRI assisted well over 300 veterans at Stand Down weekend and as the economy remains stagnant OSDRI expects to assist more veterans this year. Veterans in need of transportation, who are interested in attending Stand Down or those interested in volunteering, may contact Operation Stand Down at 401-383-4730. Bus schedules are attached. Further information on OSDRI may be found at www.OSDRI.org. There are several bus pick up times at convenient locations. Please view the attached bus schedule for more information.
