More Than 200 Gather for NH Veteran Stand Down in Manchester
The annual event connected veterans and military families with practical support while celebrating progress on veteran homelessness
For veterans and their families, finding help can mean navigating several organizations, applications, and appointments. The 22nd Annual NH Veteran Stand Down brought those resources together in one place—and offered a day of connection with people ready to help.
More than 200 people, including 156 veterans, gathered at Eversource Energy Park in Manchester for the free event. Harbor Care organized Stand Down in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Presenting Sponsor Eversource, and more than 50 participating veteran-service organizations.
Veterans met directly with providers offering housing assistance, medical and mental health care, employment services, VA benefits and claims assistance, legal and financial resources, food, clothing, and other support. The event welcomed veterans, former service members, and military families while maintaining its longstanding focus on veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“Stand Down is about making sure veterans and their families can find support without having to navigate it alone,” said Henry Och, President & CEO of Harbor Care and a U.S. Army veteran. “More than 50 organizations came together ready to help, and veterans showed up for each other. That sense of connection is every bit as important as the services available here.”
Celebrating Progress on Veteran Homelessness
This year’s gathering also celebrated Manchester’s recent achievement of effectively ending veteran homelessness. Led by Mayor Jay Ruais, the initiative brought together Harbor Care, the Manchester VA Medical Center, and other community organizations.
According to Och, 136 veterans experiencing homelessness have moved into permanent housing since September 2024. The average time between identifying a veteran experiencing homelessness and securing permanent housing fell from approximately 284 days to 90 days—a 68 percent reduction.
The achievement reflects an ongoing system for identifying veterans who need housing, connecting them with services, and helping them find a permanent home. Harbor Care also helped Nashua reach this milestone in 2017.
“Manchester made a commitment that no veteran who served our country should be left without a place to call home,” said Mayor Ruais. “Stand Down is another example of that same commitment in action, bringing veterans together with the services, resources, and support they have earned.”
A Community Showing Up
Senator Maggie Hassan and U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas and Maggie Goodlander joined the celebration, emphasizing the importance of helping veterans access care, benefits, and opportunities.
“This Stand Down was New Hampshire at its best: neighbors and veterans showing up for one another, refusing to let a single person who served this country fall through the cracks,” said Goodlander.
Eversource hosted the event at Energy Park for the third consecutive year. Bob Coates, Eversource’s President of NH Electric Operations, described connecting veterans and their families with services as a meaningful way for the company to support those who have served.
Alongside Eversource, sponsors included Gilead, Needham Bank, Marquis Management, Tulley Automotive Group, Sunbelt Rentals, Taylor Rentals, AEG, M&T Bank, Rockland Trust, CGI Business Solutions, Clark Insurance, and Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. Additional partners included VFW of NH, Coca-Cola Northeast, WFEA Radio, and Scotty’s Potties.
Support Beyond Stand Down
The event offered a welcoming place to ask questions, meet service providers, and reconnect with fellow veterans. That work continues throughout the year.
Harbor Care assists more than 5,000 adults, children, and families across New Hampshire annually. Its services include transitional and permanent housing; medical, dental, and mental health care; substance use treatment; HIV/AIDS support; and veteran services for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
To learn more about Harbor Care and its services, visit harborcarenh.org.