"Goodwill Co-Hosts 2009 Stand Down Event"

The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) of Ohio Valley Goodwill was a proud co-sponsor of the “2009 Stand Down” event held Friday, May 8th at Mercy Franciscan at St. John in downtown Cincinnati. The purpose of the event is to draw attention to the needs of homeless veterans and to offer a variety of services for these individuals. The phrase “stand down” comes from an old military term relating to a time that military personnel can have their personal needs to. Highlights of this year’s event included “Haircuts from the Heart,” provided by volunteer hairdressers and supervised by Sister Bonnie; delicious food and beverages; and assistance from more than 20 different service provider organizations. Goodwill is part of a Continnum of Care in partnership with many other community organizations that offer housing support, job services and medical services to individuals who are struggling with homelessness. In addition to Ohio Valley Goodwill, other sponsors for the event included: Cincinnati Veterans Administration, Mercy Franciscan-St. John, Bruegger’s and the Homeless Coalition. Goodwill has been offering services to homeless veterans since the early 1990’s. Last year, Goodwill provided services to more than 550 veterans and homeless individuals. For more information about the stand down event, contact Mick Fusco, Goodwill’s Grant Manager at (513) 631-4500.