Annual StandDown answers call to assist military veterans
Event that connects resources to those in need continues today in Phoenix
Jonathan Grover, a veteran who was in the Navy for two years, was among hundreds of veterans who found services, and in some cases answers, at an event designed to help provide both under one roof in Phoenix Thursday.
Grover, who served on nuclear submarines and was diagnosed with PostTraumatic Stress Disorder before being honorably discharged, had never heard of the Maricopa County StandDown event before learning about the one being held this week.
“I had no idea what I was walking into today,” Grover said. “All is well. Everything has just been a blessing.”
Maricopa County is holding its 17th annual StandDown Thursday and Friday at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix to connect homeless veterans or those at-risk of falling into homelessness, providing resources and various services at one location.
Haircuts, court assistance, dental hygiene and Motor Vehicle Division support are among the services offered.
Guests also were allowed to stay overnight Thursday, sleeping on cots, so they can continue to participate on Friday.
Grover was there to check out health benefits as well as housing. He told The
Arizona Republic that he is currently staying with friends after coming out of a treatment facility for his PTSD.
He also said this is the first time in a long time that his PTSD issues have been addressed and explains the treatment as this “whole new life.”
Maricopa County StandDown not only provides services but seeks to raise awareness necessary to address homelessness, starting with veterans, said Joan Serviss, executive director of Arizona Housing Coalition, which organized the event.
She said in a press conference StandDown welcomed more than 650 veterans by 10 a.m. Thursday morning. The event hours both days are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Coliseum, 1826 W. McDowell Road.
“StandDown” is a military term that describes a period of time when a soldier leaves an active combat area to rest and regain strength before returning to battle, according to an Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services media release about the event.
Amy Schwabenlender, Valley of the Sun United Way’s vice president of community impact, told the crowd United Way is focused on breaking the cycle of poverty for every person and family in Maricopa County.
She added a home is essential to holding a job, building financial stability, maintaining good health and making sure children succeed in school.
“It makes us feel good that we can provide so many resources and have volunteers be helpful to veterans,” Schwabenlender told The Republic. “At the same time, it always makes me a little sad, because it shows how much need we have in the community.”
She said she has seen veterans jump from near homelessness to having an apartment to live in within a few days.
Tiffany Bailey has been volunteering at StandDown for five years. Her bachelor’s degree in non-profit management incited a large desire to serve in the community.
“I think, number one, it’s more lifechanging for the volunteers in a lot of aspects than it is even for the guests,” she said. “It’s life-changing as far as being able to help people who may not have had the best situation.”
Toni Grimes, a 19-year Army veteran, was volunteering in the women’s and children’s section, which offers donated items from makeup and undergarments to blankets and hygiene kits.
“It’s awesome because it’s bringing all the resources together in one place,” she said.
She added it’s great to see the transformation of veterans who come in frustrated and irritated and then leave feeling elated.
Jessica Lehr, a 37-year-old Air Force veteran of two years, was eating lunch in the women’s section. She told The
Republic she was a victim of sexual assault in the military.
“I kind of pushed everything aside and just dealt with life and tried to live,” she said.
Lehr said she was taking advantage of mental health services at the event and seeking help in filing court claims.
“It’s incredibly touching because as you go around and look at each of these volunteer’s faces, they all have their own stories of military service, loved ones in the military and they’re here for you,” Lehr said.
“There’s no judgment,” she added. “There’s zero looking down at someone.”
Lehr said she plans to attend school and re-start her career path or possibly go into the Military Reserves.
Find more details about StandDown at azhousingcoalition.org/ MCStandDown.