The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs again this year partnered with county, state and federal agencies to support the volunteer Stand Down Committees in South and North Jersey.

On Sept. 21 the Cherry Hill Armory hosted the Stand Down as Pfc. Dennis Ryan (top left photo) of the 328th Military Police Company, located at the armory, helps attach a plastic wrist band on a homeless veteran before he receives donated outerwear. A South Jersey Stand Down Committee volunteer (second photo from top) assists a veteran in selecting a pair of glasses at one of the stations.

This year the North Jersey Stand Down was held on Oct. 21 at the John F. Kennedy Pool and Recreation Center in Newark, a new location for the event. Newark Mayor Cory Booker arranged to provide the city building and stopped by to talk to the homeless veterans. Veterans Service Organization members were out in force running the various stations on the gym floor. Past commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9015 William Hunter (bottom left photo) assists a veteran with paperwork and American Legion Department of N.J. Executive Committeeman Roland Boone (bottom right photo) hands out duffel bags.

The Army and Air National Guard assisted with both Stand Downs as Soldiers cooked and provided logistics support while 177th Fighter Wing and 108th Air Refueling Wing medical personnel were on hand to help with the health screenings. The Stand Downs provide homeless veterans with access to healthcare, mental health screening, substance abuse counseling, social services availability, religious counseling, a hot meal, a haircut and winter clothing. The goal of the program is to bring a wide range of resources together in one location so the veteran can access the various available services and be able to recognize that the community is concerned and committed to bring these services to them.