Vets focus of Stand Down program

Lou Mion is taking a stand.

Mr. Mion, a parishioner of St. Clare's Church in Colonie, is co-chairing the 1997 Capital Region Veterans Stand Down, designed to provide services to veterans (and their families) who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

"A stand down in military terms is when a combat soldier comes in from the field and is able to shower, shave and eat," explained Mr. Mion, himself a veteran. "You're not at a higher state of readiness."

Respite day

The event, scheduled for Oct. 4, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., at the New Scotland Avenue Armory in Albany, is designed to give homeless veterans a break from their life on the street. "It's a day of reprieve," he said.

Those who attend will be provided with a variety of services, including shower facilities, hair cuts, meals, medical screenings, legal services, employment guidance, chaplain services and counseling. Daycare services will be available so that parents can meet with the experts without worrying about their children.

Last year, 250 veterans participated in the event. This year, Mr. Mion expects to give away $500,000 worth of surplus clothing as well as three meals per person.

Large need

Mr. Mion, a veterans representative for the Department of Labor, said the need for the Stand Down is great.

"A lot [of vets] don't know what's out there to help them," he said. "On any given night [in the United States], there are 750,000 to one million on the street. One third are veterans."

Of the homeless veteran population, about two-thirds are Vietnam-era veterans, Mr. Mion said, although the number of Desert Storm veterans and female veterans on the street is increasing.

The reasons for their homelessness "can be rejection of society, or they're not employed, or substance abuse problems," he explained.

Community effort

The Stand Down is the work of many people and social service organizations working together. A local grocery store chain has donated food, farmers markets have given vegetables, and a long-distance carrier has donated 500 phone cards.

Catholic organizations will also be a part of the day. Volunteers from St. Clare's will be working at the event. Three Catholic shelters -- Joseph's House in Troy, and Lwanga and Mercy Houses, both in Albany -- will be represented at the event.

"It's one big group of public and private organizations working together," said Mr. Mion.

(Anyone interested in volunteering at the event is encouraged to report to the volunteer table during the Stand Down. Help is needed to serve food and work in the nursery.)

(10-02-97)