217.542.7020
THE HISTORY OF THE VETERANS STAND DOWN
What is it?
During the Vietnam War, US combat units took respite from wartime duty to meet in a safe place where they could STAND DOWN and take a break from the war. This gave combat personnel the opportunity to get clean uniforms, a hot meal and renew their spirits with some rest and relaxation (National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 2019).
The premise translated into a nationwide event that offered a one-stop-shop opportunity for homeless Veterans to get a hot meal, clothes, and access to stabilization services at one location, having their various needs met.
WHAT IS NEW THIS YEAR?
A LOT!
LOCATION:
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For 2019, the event will be held at the BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF DECATUR, located at 859 N Jasper St, Decatur, IL 62521.
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AN EVENT FOR EVERYONE:
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In the past, the VETERANS STAND DOWN has been for homeless and Veterans only. However, through the great work of agencies including Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF); the VA; the Decatur Housing Authority (DHA); and The Salvation Army; Veteran homelessness in central Illinois is at an all-time low.
Macon County has a system in place to identify, monitor and immediately connect Veterans with housing services! Macon County averages between 3-5 homeless Veterans at any given time.
On the other hand, the US Census Bureau estimates that there are around 7,758 Veterans in Macon County (American Community Survey, 2017). Being a part of the U.S. armed forces creates a unique fraternity and community unlike any other. We want to help bring that community together where their sacrifice can be honored.
Services are still available for those who may need it, but we hope to provide local Veterans organizations an opportunity to network and recruit—to bring together and build and strengthen our Veteran community.
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In other words, the event is for EVERYBODY, not just Veterans experiencing homelessness.
GET INVOLVED
There are several ways to get involved!
AS A PARTICIPANT
This is if you just want to attend the event.
Registering as a Veteran or Military:
To register as a Veteran you will need ONE of the following:
Copy of DD-214
VA ID
Provide first name | last name | date of birth | social security number
Some services at the event will be for VETERANS ONLY!
To register as a Veteran, you can register online, but will need to provide proof of service the day of the event.
Registering in advance online will keep you from having to wait in line!
Veterans and military personnel may also register at the following locations:
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Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corporation (DMCOC)
1122 E Marietta St.
Decatur, IL 62521
217.542.7020
Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Call to schedule appointment
The Salvation Army—Supportive Services for Veteran Families
137 S Church St.
Decatur, IL 62523
217.493.3103
Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Call to schedule an appointment
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Veterans Assistance Commission of Macon County (VAC)
141 S Main St. #210, Decatur, IL 62523
217.424.1376
Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
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Registering for CONNECT DECATUR:
Save time by registering online (takes less than 5 minutes)
You can also register in person at the time of the event or in advance at the following location:
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Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corporation (DMCOC)
1122 E Marietta St.
Decatur, IL 62521
217.542.7020
Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
AS A VOLUNTEER
Volunteering is a great way to get involved!
The volunteer teams at the Veterans Stand Down are part of what makes the event so special every year!
We will need volunteers to help with set up, registration, passing out clothing, serving food and cleanup!
If you would like to volunteer, click here to register!
AS A VENDOR
Here For You
We have all been to service fairs before. Sometimes it can feel a little like Halloween, just passing out outreach materials.
We want to do it a little different.
We see the day is an OPPORTUNITY to provide IMMEDIATE ACCESS to services, not just referrals.
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This year, we want to expand and offer services not only to Veterans, but to the ENTIRE COMMUNITY. For this reason, we have combined two events into one to create the CONNECT DECATUR | VETERANS STAND DOWN.
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Our holistic approach will seek to address the needs of everyone, with services for HEALTH, EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING NEEDS, and QUALITY OF LIFE services, as well as some CLASSES and WORKSHOPS. There will also be FREE FOOD and GIVEAWAYS.
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If you are interested in participating, register here by October 31st, 2019.
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*Please make sure to include which documents will be required for immediate connection to services or for applications (e.g., ID, social security cards, proof of income, etc.).
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We are hosting it on a Thursday, because if services are for some reason not immediately available, referrals can be given for next-day (Friday).
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You can also register by FAX or EMAIL by filling out the PDF version of the VENDOR REGISTRATION FORM.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We want to provide as many services and opportunities as possible in one day, and that can get expensive! Your contributions will help provide well-needed services to Veterans and families in the Decatur-Macon Country area.
If you would like to donate, you can do so by clicking here.
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In the reason, make sure you put VETERANS STAND DOWN
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WHAT SERVICES WILL BE THERE?
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
DENTAL SERVICES
EMPLOYMENT NEEDS
ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD
GIVEAWAYS
HEALTH SERVICES
HOUSING NEEDS
NETWORKING
PRIZES
QUALITY OF LIFE SERVICES
OUR PARTNERS
