The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs plan to co-host the third annual Mobile Homeless Veterans’ Stand Down during October.

The first priority of the Stand Downs is to provide veterans with connections to housing and working with partner organizations. The event will also offer access to new winter clothes and boots, VA and state benefits, non-perishable food, haircuts and employment opportunities, and will provide a free lunch to attendees, according to a news release from the Augusta-based bureau.

“VA and the Bureau are bringing the mobile stand downs to new locations in Maine this year to be closer to veterans at risk,” said Medical Center Director Tracye Davis. “It takes a community to solve a crisis such as veteran homelessness. Collaborating with our partners and our shared mission is the only way we can make a meaningful impact.”

The stand downs will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, at four locations around the state:

• Wednesday, Oct. 5: Renys parking lot, 175 High St., Ellsworth;

• Wednesday, Oct. 12: Togus VA Medical Center, 1 VA Center, Augusta;

• Wednesday, Oct. 19: Forrest Avenue Hannaford, 295 Forest Ave., Portland; and

• Wednesday, Oct. 26: Sanford Vet Center, 628 Main St., Springvale.

“The stand downs provide an opportunity for the Bureau to connect with Maine’s most vulnerable veterans – both homeless and at risk of homelessness,” noted Director David Richmond. “Each year we bring services to their communities and work to expedite access to housing. It’s partnerships like these that have reduced Maine’s identified homeless veterans’ rate from 200 during the height of the pandemic to 134, and we are actively working to find new landlords statewide who are willing to help us house veterans.”

For more information, go to maine.gov/veterans or contact the bureau at 207-287-7020 or [email protected].

Check out other upcoming area events!