Offering a hand up

COEUR d'ALENE - The North Idaho Veterans Stand Down stands ready to assist veterans and their family members.

The event, which will be at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., is expected to serve about 2,000 people with free services, supplies, a meal and vouchers.

"Our goal is to be a service-oriented Stand Down this year," said Liz Montgomery, co-chair. "We're offering a hand up, not a hand out."

Last year's Stand Down served 1,545 total people.

Those interested in attending should bring a DD214 or other identification to show proof as a veteran.

Montgomery, who also serves on the Idaho Region 1 Homeless Coalition, said homelessness continues to rise in North Idaho.

"We refer to it as the 'new homelessness,'" she said. "We're seeing a lot of families double up with other families. St. Vincent shelters have been full for months. Parents lose their jobs and it's just a viscous cycle that trickles down."

The number of self-identified homeless vets served at the Stand Down rose from 20 in 2010 to 84 last year.

Coeur d'Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem and Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin will speak during the opening ceremony at 8 a.m.

A hot brunch will be served from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be 40 service providers offering assistance ranging from housing to insurance to food programs.

"Veterans can come to see if there's any resources that would help them with what they're struggling with, if anything," Montgomery said.

Organizers are also hoping to line up hair cuts and veterinary services.

Veterans will also be able to receive military surplus items such as sleeping bags and boots and clothing vouchers from St. Vincent de Paul.

"In the past veterans could take as many surplus items as they wanted, but we're rationing them this year because we may have a limited amount," Montgomery said.

New to the Stand Down this year will be the Hiring Our Heroes job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interested job seekers can register for free at hoh.greatjob.net. Walk-in job seekers are allowed. About 50 employers are expected to attend.