<p> Arizona Stand Down 2006 Annual Report</p><p>A COLLABORATION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS Arizona Stand Down 2006</p><p>Final Report</p><p>Who: The Arizona Stand Down Coalition sponsored by U.S. VETS – Phoenix, the City of Phoenix, the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, the Phoenix Field Office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club/Legacy Vets and the Department of Economic Security. The Arizona Stand Down 2006 event was supported by numerous other agencies including, but not limited to, Biltmore Properties, CASS, New Journey, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Midwatch Ministries, Veteran’s HOPE, the City of Phoenix Court system, Solutions, the Glendale Women’s Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, Community Voice Mail, In-Country Vietnam Veterans, the Christian Motorcycle Association, approximately 150 volunteers in total and many others.</p><p>What: Arizona Stand Down 2006 was a 3-day outreach event targeting homeless veterans and their families by providing respite from life on the streets and access to services designed to end the cycle of homelessness. The Stand Down provided 3 days and 2 nights of respite shelter and brought together numerous agencies committed to “cutting red tape” by providing direct assistance to each veteran.</p><p>When: The Arizona Stand Down was held from October 27-October 29 of 2006.</p><p>Where: The Arizona Stand Down was held at 1120 W. Watkins Avenue in the South Mountain Village of Phoenix. The City of Phoenix donated the space commonly known as the “Winter Overflow Shelter.” The Arizona Stand Down 2006 is expected to be the final year of available use of the Watkins facility.</p><p>Why: To provide temporary respite to homeless veterans while bringing service providers together in a focused effort to end the cycle of homelessness for veterans of Maricopa County. In addition to providing numerous direct services to homeless veterans, the Arizona Stand Down brings together the service community to help build long-term relationships between providers thus strengthening the continuum of care for homeless veterans on a year-round basis.</p><p>How: The Arizona Stand Down Coalition, a group of dedicated veteran advocates, coordinates activities between agencies that serve homeless veterans to create a 3-day outreach event focused on helping homeless veterans abandon life on the streets. By providing a warm place to sleep, meals each day, clothing, haircuts, legal services, benefits acquisition, medical, dental and eye services, we are able to eliminate immediate Arizona Stand Down 2006 Annual Report</p><p>A COLLABORATION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS barriers that often keep veterans from entering programs. After reducing the stress of immediate needs, homeless veterans are able to begin to focus on long-term strategies to ending their homelessness and enter housing with a renewed sense of empowerment.</p><p>Success</p><p>Veterans Attended: 450 (represents total number of veterans who presented for services)</p><p>Homeless Veterans Attended: 360 (80%) (The literal definition defined by the VA was used as the measure for homelessness).</p><p>HOUSING: 10% (35) OF HOMELESS VETERANS ENTERED HOUSING PROGRAMS BY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2006.</p><p>The Arizona Stand Down successfully assisted 35 homeless veterans to abandon life on the streets by entering housing. Five entered New Journey (substance abuse recovery program), 3 entered U.S. VETS - Phoenix residential employment program (transitional) and 1 entered U.S. VETS – Phoenix permanent housing, 6 entered Biltmore Properties Good Shepard East and West (permanent), 2 entered Crossroads substance abuse treatment facility, 3 veterans undergoing eviction were retained in housing and 15 entered CASS emergency shelter. Overall, 57% entered permanent or transitional housing/recovery programs and 43% entered emergency shelter. </p><p>FOLLOW-UP: WHO IS STILL THERE?</p><p>A common question on the minds of many regarding the Arizona StandDown is how impacting this event is on the lives of homeless veterans. It is important to first remember that StandDown is an event that aims to “cut the red tape” for homeless veterans by providing immediate access to necessary services, including housing, as an engagement tool. The goal is to engage the veteran in making substantial change or what otherwise may be termed as a motivational intervention. </p><p>We followed the 20 veterans that received entry into permanent/transitional housing programs. We followed up on the status of veterans 60 days after placement (this ensures they are beyond what has been paid for by the StandDown committee). Of the 20 veterans, 15 (75%) were still in their placement site during the follow-up period, 5 (25%) had left their placement site.</p><p>City of Phoenix Courts: 137 Requests; 84 Cases (61%); 82 Resolved (98%) Arizona Stand Down 2006 Annual Report</p><p>A COLLABORATION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS The City of Phoenix courts, under Judge Walter Jackson, provided legal remediation to homeless veterans participating in the Arizona Stand Down. Eighty-four veterans appeared and eighty-two completed community service at the Stand Down in exchange for the resolution of their case. These veterans now have a fresh start looking ahead at a new life. Through resolution of such cases, the courts assisted homeless veterans to overcome a major barrier to employment and/or continued employment clearing a path for these homeless veterans to reintegrate as a productive member of society. </p><p>Identification Services: 48 Cases; 27 State-issued ID’s</p><p>Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center’s Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program provided funding for veterans to obtain state-issued identification for this new StandDown service. The Department of Motor Vehicles opened their facility located at 28th Street and Washington on Saturday, October 28, 2006 specifically in service to veterans participating in StandDown. Normally closed on Saturday, DMV at this location provided full staff and snacks while veterans took care of outstanding issues. In addition to the 27 state-issued identification cards, veterans received 36-month driving records for job search, license reinstatements and other DMV services. </p><p>Transportation: 815 Veterans (duplicated), 1 dog and 2 cats.</p><p>Volunteer drivers transported veterans and their animals to and from the site. Drivers were coordinated by Gregory Federick with the assistance of U.S. VETS – Phoenix and the DAV. </p><p>Meals: 2,450 meals served</p><p>The Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center prepared and, with the help of dedicated volunteers, served 2,450 meals to the 450 veterans and volunteers in attendance. In addition 1,836 milks were consumed, 50+ gallons of coffee, 105 gallons of juice and 648 juice containers for a grand total In-Kind contribution of $3,800.</p><p>Haircuts: 125</p><p>Three community beauticians cut the hair on the heads of 125 homeless veterans. They were gracious enough to take before and after pictures (wow! What a difference).</p><p>Medical: 153</p><p>The Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center delivered on-site medical treatment to 153 homeless veterans providing necessary health exams, prescription services, mental health screening, referral and intervention services. Arizona Stand Down 2006 Annual Report</p><p>A COLLABORATION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS</p><p>Dental: 74</p><p>Each veteran received dental exams, cleaning, referral services and instruction on maintaining good hygiene by our volunteer Dentist.</p><p>Glasses: 190</p><p>One hundred and ninety pairs of reading glasses were given to veterans after receiving a brief exam for prescription strength.</p><p>Community Voice Mail: 33</p><p>Community Voice Mail provided 33 veterans with free voice mail boxes so agencies, employers, friends and family can keep in contact with the veteran during follow-up services.</p><p>Maricopa County Animal Care and Control: 3 animals (1 dog, 2 cats)</p><p>We were unable to provide veterinarian care to animals this year, however thanks to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, cages, food, water and leashes were made available along with vouchers for free or low cost vaccinations. This service has enabled us to open the door to veterans living with their animals on the streets who otherwise would not enter the facility. </p><p>Food Stamps: 88 applications filed; 56 approved (63%)</p><p>DES and FAA processed food stamp applications delivering approvals to 63% of veterans that filed. This resource will carry with them throughout their reintegration back into the community.</p><p>Social Security: 38 claims for benefits; 63 non-claim actions</p><p>The Social Security Administration processed 38 claims from 25 applicants for SSDI or SSI; 13 of whom filed claims for both. In addition, 63 non-claim actions were rendered for items such as income verification for housing and ID, requests for overpayment relief and reinstatement of benefits requests among other non-claim actions.</p><p>Value Options: 13 Mental Health Assessments Arizona Stand Down 2006 Annual Report</p><p>A COLLABORATION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS Value Options provided 13 mental health assessments to homeless veterans at the StandDown. The agency did not report those entering the Value Options service system, however if any or all were not receiving mental health services and are now, success has been achieved. </p><p>Incidentals: Thousands!!!</p><p>Thousands of incidentals were provided throughout the event. Over 200 pairs of shoes, hundreds of articles of clothing, 1200 pairs of socks, 1200 pairs of underwear, 400 toiletry packs, 200 blankets and many other basic need items were delivered directly to homeless veterans.</p><p>On behalf of the Arizona Stand Down Coalition, we would like to thank the City of Phoenix Mayor, City Council and staff for making this event possible year after year through the donation of the Overflow Shelter. Just like we are not able to do this without our dedicated volunteers, we are not able to do this without the support of our local leaders. Thank you for your commitment to ending homelessness in our community, especially among veterans. We look forward to another successful year for homeless veterans.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Brad Bridwell Brad Bridwell Arizona Stand Down Coordinator</p>