Veterans from all over NH and MA came out for the 16th annual NH Stand Down, held at the Harbor Care Wellness Center in Nashua

The NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention was one of 60 exhibitors at the resource fair, where homeless Veterans were able to get everything from flu shots to haircuts to food and other supplies.  Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, they also enjoyed lunch on a sunny September Friday afternoon in the Harbor Care parking lot while listening to music by the band Full Turn.

The NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention (NHCSP) manned a table at the fair and handed out information about suicide prevention and brain injury.  NHCSP representatives showcased their website, which offers everything from stories of hope about those who have survived depression, PTSD and brain injury to resources for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts: (www.zerosuicidesnh.org).  Many Veterans took information about traumatic brain injury, provided by the Brain Injury Association of NH (www.bianh.org), since so many Veterans sustain brain injuries, both while serving and after they have returned from service.  The Veterans who stopped to talk with us appreciated the raffle for Dunkin Donuts gift cards, as a hot cup of coffee and an opportunity to warm up during bad weather means so much to someone who is living in their car or on the street.

Peter Kelleher, retiring President & CEO of Harbor Care, gave a history of the NH Stand Down which began after 9/11 and included efforts to secure funding for Veteran housing – efforts that continue to this day.   (Recently, Harbor Care was the recipient of $750,000 through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program).  Harbor Homes offers transitional housing at 2 facilities (Buckingham Palace and Dalianis House) in Nashua and at BAE Systems Independence Hall in Manchester.  These are private apartments for Veterans and their families – they pay what they can afford towards their rent while they get back on their feet and look for employment.  For more information, call 603/305-1122.

Veterans FIRST Transitional Housing — Harbor Care (harborcarenh.org)

Through the Harbor Care Veterans FIRST program, Veterans can participate in HVRP (Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program), where they are provided the training and support to secure jobs, despite homelessness and other challenges.  Veterans FIRST Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program — Harbor Care (harborcarenh.org) 

For an overview of all Veterans services offered through Harbor Care: 

Veterans Services Overview — Harbor Care (harborcarenh.org)