The twelfth annual Veterans Stand Down for Homelessness Resource and Job Fair will be held September 15 and 16 at the Savannah Civic Center from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Participants will be offered a hot meal, haircuts, showers and and will have opportunities for a variety of health screenings. Representatives from more than 40 Social Service agencies will be available to provide information and outreach on a variety of services including housing options, job resources, resume writing tips, substance abuse treatment, income tax assistance, and accesses to Social Security and Veteran’s Administration services.

This event is a collaboration of Savannah’s military and nonprofit communities to reach individuals in crisis and connect them with programs and services designed to help end homelessness. The Stand Down is intended to serve homeless veterans but is open to all individuals and families impacted by homelessness. There is no cost to attend.

The job fair will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Savannah Civic Center. The job fair is open to the public and local employers will be onsite to fill positions. If you know of a local business interested in hiring have them reach out to Goodwill of the Coastal Empire at 912.354.6611.

Community sponsors include The Department of Veteran Affairs Community Based Out-Patient Clinic, The Savannah Vet Center, the American Legion Post 500, Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, the Georgia Department of Veteran Services, the Georgia Department of Labor, the Military Order of the Purple Hearts, the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless and the Salvation Army.

Each year over 400 community volunteers assist with the Stand Down, including the Social Work department at Savannah State University that coordinates the distribution of clothes and personal items.

In the last year, 285 veterans were homelessness in Chatham County, according to statistics released by the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless. Traditionally, the Homeless Authority sees veterans from the Vietnam era, however, more and more veterans from the Gulf and Afghanistan conflicts are requesting various services. These men and women have served their country and we want them to know that the Savannah community is here to help them when they return.

The Stand Down is funded by a federal grant offered through the United States Department of Labor. Agencies such as Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, The United States Department of Veterans Affairs, The Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless, The Salvation Army and other area nonprofit organizations pull the event together annually. The local universities provide volunteers and fundraise to ensure the event is a success. For more information on Stand Down for Homelessness, visit http://nchv.org/index.php/service/service/stand_down/