ATHENS, Ohio — The eighth annual Athens Area Stand Down returns this Friday at the Athens County Fairgrounds, 286 W Union St., to provide resources for veterans and other individuals experiencing or at-risk of experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness.
The stand down is reserved for veterans only from 10 a.m. to noon and opens to the public from noon to 2 p.m. According to the Athens Area Stand Down website, a “stand down” is a military term for a secure base camp where, in times of war, troops can relax and recuperate. In civilian terms, a stand down “refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help our nation’s homeless ‘combat’ life on the streets,” the website states.
After attending a stand down in Ross County, Athens County Court of Common Pleas Judge George McCarthy was moved to bring it home in 2016. He now serves as the president of the stand down’s board.
“The thing that struck me is that we had people from Athens County going to Ross County, in order to take advantage of what they had available,” McCarthy said. “I said, ‘There’s no reason why we can’t do it here.’”
McCarthy estimated that before the coronavirus pandemic, up to 250 people participated in stand down events, including 50 to 75 veterans. Since the pandemic began, he said, numbers have gone down, dropping closer to 200. This year the event returns to its original format as a walk-through resource fair; since 2020, it has been set up as a drive-through.
Athens residents who experience unsheltered homelessness have few options for shelter and solutions, WOUB reported earlier this summer. Local resource agencies said they are often — sometimes daily — at capacity and have to turn away people.
Nationally and in Ohio, the numbers of homeless veterans have dropped significantly since 2010. In that year, more than 74,000 veterans, including over 1,500 Ohioans, experienced homelessness. In 2022, those figures decreased to 33,129 and 633, respectively.
The stand down is a countywide community effort, McCarthy said, featuring 30 to 40 vendors. As at past events, Carsey’s Barbershop will give haircuts; the Athens Bicycle Club will offer free bicycle repairs. Veterans must provide proof of service; members of the public are welcome, but must also provide proof of need, such as food stamps.
How you can help
The event needs volunteers, McCarthy said. Those interested in volunteering may register online. Volunteers will be needed to sort items on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, McCarthy said. All who attend are guaranteed lunch.
The stand down is accepting donations on Tuesday, Oct. 3 and Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the junior fair building from 5–7 p.m. The stand down seeks:
- 35 extra large and larger winter jackets
- 45 large and/or medium winter jackets
- 100 three-in-one body washes
- 150 hand warmers
- 125 blankets
- 155 towels
- 30 pairs of men’s winter socks
- 155 flashlights with batteries
- 80 pairs of gloves
- 155 first aid kits
- 160 (six-load) laundry detergent
- 150 full size toothpastes
Donors should notify the stand down if they intend to supply most or all of an item. Used clothing is not accepted.
The Athens Area Stand Down of Ohio officially became a nonprofit 501(c)3 this year. Learn more about the Athens Area Stand Down on its website.
