Details & FAQs

In war time, exhausted combat troops were removed from battlefields to places of security and safety for rest and recovery. At home, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's estimated 48,000 homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets.  "Stand Down" began in San Diego in 1988 and 28 years later, that organization has had many successes, including a 2010 “60 Minutes” feature. There are now over 200 Stand Downs in the U.S.  Stand Downs connect our most vulnerable Veterans to the community and help begin to break down the barriers that keep many on the streets. The “hand up, not a handout” philosophy of the Stand Down requires the work of countless volunteers, businesses and local, state and national organizations.

The Portland Stand Down - the largest in Oregon - is designed to honor and support Veterans in our community who have fallen upon hard times. The event, held at the Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 11, 2020 helps men and women who have served in the military access essential supportive services, employment and connections to local, state, and federal support systems available to them.

This community-led partnership combines local nonprofits, government officials, corporations and businesses, as well as veterans themselves.

In 2019, over 500 homeless veterans attended the Stand Down. Many had not been aligned with programs and services to help them get off the streets and were introduced to the veteran services offered at Transition Projects.

Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum
300 N Winning Way, Portland, OR  97227

Transportation to the site can be provided. The site is on the MAX and Tri-met bus lines. Free parking will be available in one of the Rose Quarter parking structures.

Registration: Opens at 7:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is not necessary.

Food & Beverage:
Breakfast will be provided from 8:00-10:30 a.m.
Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.

Program:
Following a Color Guard presentation at 9:00 a.m., there will be a very brief welcome from Transition Projects Executive Director George Devendorf.

Service Providers:
Programs, services, outreach and support of all kinds geared specifically to Veterans and their families are available. Here are just some of the offerings:

• Representatives are on-hand to check-in with Veterans, register them for programs and services, and give out materials.
• Medical, dental, and vision services
• Multnomah County Public Library
• Veterans organizations that have programs and services
• Haircuts from Bishops Barbershop
• Banfield Pet Hospital pet services

Job Fair:
Local, regional and national companies will attend with jobs in hand.

• Veterans have the ability to interview on site.
• Suits, blazers, slacks, shirts, and ties are available to be fitted at the event (and at a pre-event) for Veterans to leave with, for future interviews.

Food Pantry:
Non-perishable food items are available to choose from.

Legal Services:
A full complement of legal services is available including attorneys and a circuit court judge.

• Legal personnel will review, guide, and work with Veterans one-on-one, on offenses on their record – some with the possibility of expungement.

Surplus:
Military surplus and non-military are available such as such as shoes, socks, t-shirts, jackets, backpacks, boots, and more.

The Stand Down hours are 7:30 am – 2:00 pm. Registration begins at 7:30am with complementary coffee and breakfast available.

Transition Projects invites anyone who identifies as a Veteran or has served in the military to attend the Portland Stand Down.

Yes, complimentary childcare will be available on-site. Please contact Transition Projects to sign up for childcare: Emily.Coleman@tprojects.org or 503.488.7745.

Veterans do not need to pre-register for the event. Simply show up for the event! All registration will be done on-site as Veterans arrive in the main outdoor plaza.