In times of war, exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover were removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety in what was known as a "Stand Down." At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment.
In the military, a Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being. Today's Stand Down Together strives to do the same for those homeless veterans who "battle" the harshness of life on the streets. Originating in San Diego, California in 1988, "Stand Down" refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's estimated 300,000 homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. Homeless veterans are brought together in a single location for one to three days and are provided access to the community resources needed to begin addressing their individual problems and rebuilding their lives.
According to local officials, it is estimated there are nearly 1,000 homeless people in North Alabama, with approximately 30% of these being homeless or displaced veterans. WE BELIEVE: No veteran should be homeless; No veteran who wants to work should be jobless; No veteran should feel hopeless; and NO VETERANS WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.
Our Vision Helping the less fortunate veterans in N Alabama and southern Tennessee re-establish ties and re-integrate back into the community.
Our Mission Stand Down Together Huntsville assists Veterans so that they can once again be self-sustaining and better connected to the community. Our Intent Our ultimate intent and goal is to give veterans in need the tools to rejoin their community as productive, responsible citizens. Our true success comes when a veteran in need moves on to a renewed life within the community.
Our Goal To host world-class, low-key and purpose-driven one to three-day events to provide outreach, information, and a variety of social services for this area's homeless veterans.
Volunteer Whether you are a church organization, a local business, or an individual citizen of our great community, we would be honored to have you join us in this noble effort.
The members of “ Stand Down Together Huntsville" want to continue what had begun in San Diego during the spring of 1988. It is estimated that more than 100,000 homeless veterans have received assistance at Stand Downs. It will give our homeless veterans some time to rest and recover from the day to day living on the streets, alleys, under bridges, in cars or where ever they can find shelter. We can do this by providing a secure area where they will feel safe, if only for a little while. If we can save one life, it will be worth it. If we can get one veteran off drugs, and back to work it will be worth it. Veterans will be informed of community, federal and state services.
Stand Down Together Huntsville will require a great deal of support from our community. If your organization would like to participate in this worthy cause, please contact us. We need volunteers, men’s clothing, esp. new or slightly used men's pants, and money assistance (tax deductible).
Also, if you would like to be part of Stand Down Together Huntsville, Inc. contact us at: SDTHInc@gmail.com (256) 527-9643 SDTHInc@gmail.com
OFFICE HOURS Tuesday-Thursday 9am - 3pm
Closed during inclement weather, and Holidays.
Location 2007 Poole Drive, Suite B Hunstville, AL 35810