Community Corner

Stand Down 2011 Aims to Help Local Veterans Find Jobs, Services

Over 1,000 veterans are expected to attend the event on Friday; free transportation provided for Meriden vets and those of several cities and towns.

A one-day event aimed at helping homeless, unemployed and sick veterans from throughout Connecticut will be held Friday at the  in Rocky Hill from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

From hair cuts and license renewals to eye and dental exams, the annual event for veterans offers it all – for free.

More than 50 government agencies are expected to attend the event and provide services for needy veterans. These include housing referrals, social service assistance, DMV services, Veterans Affairs benefit assistance, medical screenings, dental screenings, mental health screenings, and free clothing.

Find out what's happening in Meridenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Department of Labor’s Office for Veterans’ Workforce Development staff will also help veterans search for jobs and develop resumes.

“Returning to work is a crucial step in getting our veterans back to civilian life, and our goal is to reach out to all veterans, especially those who are experiencing difficult times mentally, physically or economically,” Terry Brennan, director of the office for Veterans’ Workforce Development, said in a release.

Find out what's happening in Meridenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs expects more than 1,000 homeless and needy veterans to attend the 16th annual Stand Down. Last year a record 1,300 veterans took part.

Free transportation will be provided to attendees who don't want to or can't get to the location themselves from Meriden at 7:30 a.m. Friday at Shelter Now, 43 St. Casimir Dr. It will also be provided from points throughout the state, including Wallingford (7 a.m., Wallingford Town Hall) Middletown (7 a.m., Middletown Town Hall). For more cities and pickup locations click HERE.

For more information on the event, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website or call (860) 616-3801. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here