TOGUS — Veterans from around the state are expected to converge Saturday on Togus Veterans Affairs Medical Center to take what officials hope is the first step toward finding homes.

Homeless veterans are invited to Togus to receive a litany of services that could help the veterans leave the street for good at the 13th annual Maine Homeless Veterans Stand-Down, scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on the first floor of Building 206.

“There are just a lot of different things available,” Togus spokesman James Doherty said. “We strongly recommend they take advantage of all of them. We’re trying to give them a hand up.”

The Stand-Down is based on a military term meaning a stop in action. The term was used to signal a time when soldiers could stop fighting and relax.

The first Homeless Stand-Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam Veterans in San Diego, according to information provided by Togus officials. Stand-downs now take place across the country.

Togus stand-down organizers are arranging rides to the medical center from nine spots around the state. A van will depart from the Caribou Veterans Center at 5 a.m. Vans also will pick up veterans in Augusta at 8:30 a.m. at the Edmund G. Muskie Federal Building on Western Avenue and the Bread of Life Kitchen on Water Street.

Veterans arriving at Togus will be assigned a squad leader — a volunteer who will help lead the veterans to different stations.

After a needs assessment by counselors, homeless veterans will be offered an array of services, including health, dental and vision screenings; Veterans Affairs, Social Security and Food Stamp benefits counseling; vocational assistance; and employment counseling. They may also receive referrals to a wide variety of VA services, including followup medical care, mental health and addiction services, VA-supported housing and applications for Section 8 subsidized housing.

The veterans, who also will be provided meals, hair cuts, showers and massages, will be given a duffle bag stuffed with new winter clothing, socks, underwear and a small bag with personal hygiene items.

Organizers are prepared for up to 75 veterans, but approximately 60 are expected to attend, Doherty said.

Organizers sent fliers announcing the stand-down to shelters, soup kitchens and town offices across the state. Veterans service organizations also are helping spread the word, Doherty said.

Togus will play host, but the event is organized by a host of community service agencies and businesses that volunteer their time and donate items.

“This is not a VA event,” Doherty said. “There’s a wide range of people and organizations that are participating. It’s a team effort.”

For more information call 623-8411, ext. 5383.

Craig Crosby — 621-5642

ccrosby@centralmaine.com

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