Portland Veterans Hiring Fair & Stand Down

In war time, exhausted combat troops were removed from battlefields to places of security and safety for rest and recovery. At home, Stand Downs refer to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's estimated 48,000 veterans experiencing homelessness “combat” life on the streets.  Stand Downs began in San Diego in 1988 and 28 years later, they can be found across the country. There are now over 200 Stand Downs in the U.S. Stand Downs connect our most vulnerable Veterans to the community and help begin to break down the barriers that keep many on the streets. The “hand up, not a handout” philosophy of Stand Downs require the work of countless volunteers, businesses and local, state and national organizations.

The Portland Stand Down - one of the largest in Oregon - is designed to honor and support Veterans in our community who have fallen upon hard times. The event, which will be held at the Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2022 will help people who have served in the military access essential supportive services, employment and connections to local, state, and federal support systems available to them.

This community-led partnership combines local nonprofits, government officials, corporations and businesses, as well as veterans themselves.

In 2019, over 450 homeless veterans attended the Stand Down. Many had not been aligned with programs and services to help them get off the streets and were introduced to the veteran services offered at Transition Projects.

Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum [ Map It ]
300 N Winning Way, Portland, OR  97227

Transportation to the site can be provided. The site is on the MAX and Tri-met bus lines. Free parking will be available in one of the Rose Quarter parking structures.

Registration: Opens at 8:00 AM (note: surplus distribution will begin at 1:00 PM).
Pre-registration is not necessary.

Food & Beverage:
Breakfast items will be available in the morning beginning at 8:00 AM, and lunch will be provided to all veterans at 12:00 PM.

Program:
Stay tuned for more information about our program.

Service Providers:
The resource area will include over 50 service providers offering veteran-specific services in Portland and surrounding areas. Connect with representatives from local, state, and national, including the VA, Multnomah County, and many more.

Hiring Fair:
Join over 50 employers at our hiring fair to connect with businesses eager to hire veterans. This area will also offer support building and printing a resume and submitting online applications on-site.

Health and Wellness Services:
Our health and wellness fair will include medical services, two dental vans, COVID vaccinations, and a wide variety of practitioners and specialists available for health needs.

Legal Services:
Circuit Court Judge Allen will preside over our law clinic, where she partners with Multnomah County Public Defenders to aid in basic legal matters including expungement and community service.

Surplus:
Military surplus and non-military clothing will be available at the event, as will limited hygiene items. These will include items such as shoes, socks, t-shirts, jackets, backpacks, boots, and more.

The Stand Down hours are 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Registration opens at 8:00 AM.

Transition Projects invites anyone who identifies as a Veteran or has served in the military to attend the Portland Stand Down. We welcome veterans who are:

• looking for a new or better job
• recently housed
• experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• interested in connecting with the veteran community in Oregon
• seeking connections to medical care
• hoping to learn more about their state and federal veteran benfits

Veterans do not need to pre-register for the event. Simply show up for the event! All registration will be done on-site as Veterans arrive at the VMC.

All event attendees and volunteers must wear masks at all time and stay at least six feet from other guests. Masks will be provided when registering onsite for those who need them. COVID-19 vaccines will be available on-site and all interested attendees are encouraged to visit our health and wellness area to get vaccinated. All Transition Projects staff and volunteers are fully vaccinated.