The Portland Veterans Stand Down – Oregon’s largest – honors and supports Veterans. People who have served in the military access a robust hiring fair, essential resources and services, and connections to local, state, and federal support. This community-led partnership combines local nonprofits, government officials, corporations, and businesses to welcome more than 400 veterans annually.

2023 Portland Veterans Hiring Fair & Stand Down

Join us on September 20th at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Plaza from 10 AM - 2 PM! We are excited to offer a full range of resources at this year's Stand Down, including:

Hiring Fair featuring 60 employers
Legal Clinic
Health and Wellness Services
Dental Services on-site
Military Surplus
Veteran Intake for Programs & Services
Breakfast and Lunch
100+ Service Providers
Pet Care and Services
Haircuts

Masks are not mandatory at this year's Stand Down, however, they will be provided.

Get Involved

We rely on our steadfast individual, corporate, and community sponsors to make this event a reality. If you're interested in sponsoring this year's event, please review our sponsorship packages. Have questions? Reach out to our Vice President of Development.
We welcome all businesses and organizations interested in connecting with hundreds of veterans seeking employment in Portland. Once registered, you can pay your $500 table fee here.
Join dozens of service providers in Portland offering resources to veterans and their families. Please register here.
Want to make an impact? Join us to volunteer at this important event supporting those who have served. From corporate groups to congregations to individuals, there's a role for everyone. If you have questions, please email our Volunteer Program Supervisor.
This event focuses on veterans based in the Portland metro area. If you're a Veteran seeking immediate support, please visit this link to get connected to support. And, visit us at the Stand Down!

Event Details & FAQs

Join us at 300 N Winning Way on September 20th at 10:00 AM (registration begins at 9:30 AM)!

In wartime, exhausted combat troops were removed from battlefields to places of security and safety for rest and recovery. At home, Stand Downs referred 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 35 years later, they can be found across the country. There are now over 200 Stand Downs in the U.S.

Stand Downs today, not only connect our most vulnerable Veterans to programs, services, and support in our community and help begin to break down the barriers that keep many on the streets. The event is also an opportunity for veterans of all ages and backgrounds to meet with employers to find a job (or better employment), identify organizations to get more involved with and, to explore more community connections.

Stand Downs require the work of countless volunteers, businesses, and local, state and, national organizations to be a success for the thousands of veterans living in the state of Oregon.
The Portland Stand Down - one of the largest in Oregon - is designed to honor and support Veterans in our community. The event, which will be held at the Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 20, 2023, will help people who have served in the military access a robust hiring fair, essential programs and services, healthcare and wellness services, 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 2022, more than 300 veterans attended the Stand Down.
Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum
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 9:30 AM
Pre-registration is not necessary.

Food & Beverage:
Breakfast items will be available in the morning beginning at 9:45 AM, and lunch will be provided at 12:00 PM.

Program:
The posting of the colors kicks off the event with a short program.

Service Providers:
The Resource Fair 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 offerings will include medical services, dental onsite services vans, and a wide variety of practitioners and specialists available for health needs.

Legal Services:
Circuit Court Judge Beth Allen (Veteran) 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. These will include items such as shoes, socks, t-shirts, jackets, backpacks, boots, and more. Surplus will be available from 1:00 - 2:00 PM.
The Stand Down hours are 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Registration opens at 9:30 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 benefits
Veterans do not need to pre-register for the event. Simply show up! All registration will be done on-site as Veterans arrive at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Event attendees and volunteers are not required to wear masks. Masks will be provided when registering onsite for those who would like them.