Statewide veterans Stand Down 2015 to be held

A Veterans "Stand Down 2015" for veterans from across the state, sponsored by FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern CT will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22 at the Armory, at 153 South Main St., Torrington, according to a release.

The event will provide myriad free services and helpful information from nearly 20 providers, which will include federal and state agencies, as well as local businesses and organizations, the release said.

"Stand Down is an event where homeless veterans and those in need of services may receive the help they need at the same time and place," the release said. "FISH NWCT recognizes the partnerships it has with the Torrington Marine Corps, AMVETS, American Legion Post 38 Riders Group and the Association of the United States Army Connecticut Chapter in supporting this Stand Down 2015."

Some of the supporting agencies and services include those representing the state Department of Labor, the U.S. Social Security Administration, the Veterans Administration, Connecticut Legal Services, higher education, mental health and addiction services, social services, transportation and haircuts, the release said..

Veterans and their spouses will also be served a complimentary lunch, and clothing and toiletries will be distributed, the release said. FISH NWCT will provide free transportation to assist veterans from around the state.

The bus schedule for areas to be served with round trip busing include: Bus #1 at 8:45 a.m. from the New Haven Green, 9 a.m. from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Haven and 9:40 a.m. at the Bridgeport Bus terminal; Bus #2 picks up at Middletown Town Hall at 9 a.m., in Meriden at 9:20 a.m. from the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and in Waterbury at the Green at 9:50 a.m. Bus #3 picks up from New Britain at 8 a.m. at Jimmy’s Smoke Shop, from Manchester at 8:30 a.m. at Samaritan Shelter, in Hartford at 9 a.m. from St. Elizabeth House, and from Newington at 9:30 a.m. from the VA Medical Center.

Veterans may pre-register by calling Vera Halilaj, veterans case manager/coordinator at FISH NWCT at 860-496-1648 or 860-482-7300, or Deirdre DiCara, executive director.

For more information, visit the FISH website at www.fishnwct.org.