The Portland Veterans Stand Down – Oregon’s largest – honors and supports Veterans, many of whom are often either experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. People who have served in the military access essential supportive resources and services, employment, and connections to local, state, and federal support. This community-led partnership combines local nonprofits, government officials, corporations, and businesses to welcome more than 400 veterans annually.
Join us on September 9th at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Plaza from 9 AM - 1 PM for a return to our in-person event. We are excited to offer a full range of resources at this year's Stand Down, including:
Employment Fair
Health and Wellness Services
Military Surplus
COVID-19 Vaccines
Veteran Intake for Programs & Services
Breakfast and Lunch
Robust Program featuring 100+ Service Providers & Employers
Women & Gender Diverse Services and Lounge
Pet Care and Services
Haircuts
Legal Clinic
Masks are mandatory at this year's Stand Down and will be provided if needed.
Why Host a Stand Down?
Stand Downs honor and support veterans by helping them access essential supportive services, explore employment opportunities, and connect to local, state, and federal support systems. In 2019, more than 450 veterans attended the Portland Stand Down, one of Oregon’s largest veteran outreach events. Many who attend the event are connecting to services for the first time - a testament to the engagement potential the Stand Down offers. Led by Transition Projects, this critical community event is a success due to the combined efforts of community partners, corporations and businesses, providers, sponsors, and volunteers all coming together with the focus on connecting with veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Event Details & FAQs
Join us at 300 N Winning Way on September 9th at 9:00 AM (registration begins at 8 AM)!
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In war time, exhausted combat troops were removed from battlefields to places of security and safety for rest and recovery. At home, Stand Downs refer to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's estimated 48,000 veterans experiencing homelessness “combat” life on the streets. Stand Downs began in San Diego in 1988 and 28 years later, they can be found across the country. There are now over 200 Stand Downs in the U.S. Stand Downs connect our most vulnerable Veterans to the community and help begin to break down the barriers that keep many on the streets. The “hand up, not a handout” philosophy of Stand Downs require the work of countless volunteers, businesses and local, state and national organizations.
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The Portland Stand Down - one of the largest in Oregon - is designed to honor and support Veterans in our community who have fallen upon hard times. The event, which will be held at the Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2022 will help people who have served in the military access essential supportive services, employment and connections to local, state, and federal support systems available to them.
This community-led partnership combines local nonprofits, government officials, corporations and businesses, as well as veterans themselves.
In 2019, over 450 homeless veterans attended the Stand Down. Many had not been aligned with programs and services to help them get off the streets and were introduced to the veteran services offered at Transition Projects. -
Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum
300 N Winning Way, Portland, OR 97227
Transportation to the site can be provided. The site is on the MAX and Tri-met bus lines. Free parking will be available in one of the Rose Quarter parking structures. -
Registration: Opens at 8:00 AM (note: surplus distribution will begin at 1:00 PM).
Pre-registration is not necessary.
Food & Beverage:
Breakfast items will be available in the morning beginning at 8:00 AM, and lunch will be provided to all veterans at 12:00 PM.
Program:
Stay tuned for more information about our program.
Service Providers:
The resource area will include over 50 service providers offering veteran-specific services in Portland and surrounding areas. Connect with representatives from local, state, and national, including the VA, Multnomah County, and many more.
Hiring Fair:
Join over 50 employers at our hiring fair to connect with businesses eager to hire veterans. This area will also offer support building and printing a resume and submitting online applications on-site.
Health and Wellness Services:
Our health and wellness fair will include medical services, two dental vans, COVID vaccinations, and a wide variety of practitioners and specialists available for health needs.
Legal Services:
Circuit Court Judge Allen will preside over our law clinic, where she partners with Multnomah County Public Defenders to aid in basic legal matters including expungement and community service.
Surplus:
Military surplus and non-military clothing will be available at the event, as will limited hygiene items. These will include items such as shoes, socks, t-shirts, jackets, backpacks, boots, and more. -
The Stand Down hours are 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Registration opens at 8:00 AM.
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Transition Projects invites anyone who identifies as a Veteran or has served in the military to attend the Portland Stand Down. We welcome veterans who are:
looking for a new or better job
recently housed
experiencing or at risk of homelessness
interested in connecting with the veteran community in Oregon
seeking connections to medical care
hoping to learn more about their state and federal veteran benfits
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Veterans do not need to pre-register for the event. Simply show up for the event! All registration will be done on-site as Veterans arrive at the VMC.
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All event attendees and volunteers must wear masks at all time and stay at least six feet from other guests. Masks will be provided when registering onsite for those who need them. COVID-19 vaccines will be available on-site and all interested attendees are encouraged to visit our health and wellness area to get vaccinated. All Transition Projects staff and volunteers are fully vaccinated.
Silver Star Sponsors
Bronze Star Sponsors
Legion of Merit Sponsors
Amazon | Kirk L. Dobbins | Fred Meyer | Grand Canyon Education | G2 Secure Staff
Kate Lieber & Monique Matheson | Lines for Life | New Seasons Market
John & Brenda Osborn | PRO Truck Lines | Carter & Jennifer MacNichol
Sherry Swackhamer | Returning Veterans Project
Get Involved
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We rely on our steadfast individual, corporate, and community sponsors to make this event a reality. If you're interested in sponsoring this year's event, please review our sponsorship packages. Have questions? Reach out to our Director of Development.
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Want to make an impact? Join us to volunteer at this important event supporting those who have served. From corporate groups to congregations to individuals, there's a role for everyone. Fill out a volunteer interest form here.
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This year's event will serve 500 veterans based in the Portland metro area. If you're already working with us, please contact your Case Manager to ensure that you're registered to participate. If you're a Veteran seeking support, please visit this link to get connected to support.
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We welcome all businesses and organizations interested in connecting with hundreds of veterans seeking employment in Portland. Once registered, you can pay your $250 table fee here.
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Join dozens of service providers in Portland offering resources to veterans and their families. Availability is limited and providers will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register here.
2019 Portland Veterans Stand Down* by the Numbers:
480 veterans and their families accessed resources, services, and programs
250+ veterans met with employment recruiters at the Job Fair
162 veterans accessed health & wellness services and medical care
60 veterans connected with Transition Projects for the first time
62 female veterans explored services in the new Women’s Lounge
*Last in-person event at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Help us Support our Veterans
Make a gift to help us bring critical resources to those who've served.