GAIL WHITE Coalition plans Stand Down to help people facing hard times

After 10 months and one day in Vietnam in 1971, George Otto of Youngstown was ready to stand down.
Stand down is a military term for troops' coming out of the combat field for a time of refreshing and rejuvenation.
For the past four years, the Mahoning County Homeless Coalition has had a stand down of its own.
The coalition has no staff, no telephone, no office and no budget.
"It is a gathering of people in the trenches who want to help the homeless and the near-homeless," explains George, a registered volunteer with Meridian Services in Youngstown.
"It is like getting together with a group of neighbors, only a little more formal -- but not too formal," George stresses.
"We are not CEOs. We are not head honchos," as George explains the makeup of the coalition's volunteers. "We are not offered board of directors' positions. We work below the radar."
Volunteers
Every day, the individuals who volunteer with the Mahoning County Homeless Coalition get up and go to their jobs as social workers, nurses, mental health professionals, housing counselors, substance abuse counselors and case managers.
Once a month, this group of caring individuals gathers to discuss ways to improve the lives of the needy in our community.
Once a year, the group sponsors a Stand Down for the homeless and near-homeless of the Mahoning Valley. This year the event will be Nov. 7.
It will be at the Salvation Army building on Glenwood Avenue on Youngstown's South Side, and more than 25 social service agencies will be present to assist those in need.
"My hope is that a person will go and take advantage of a combination of social services, food and clothing distribution to better their plight," George says.
"Stand Downs are held across the country," George explains. "But ours is a little unique."
What's different
Generally, Stand Downs are held to assist strictly veterans. The Youngstown Stand Down is for any individual or family struggling with hard times.
The Youngstown Stand Down also is different in that it requires people to preregister for the one-day event.
"People can register at just about any social service agency in the area," George shares.
Last year, the Stand Down assisted 392 individuals or families who preregistered. The registration deadline this year is Oct. 20.
When those seeking assistance arrive at the Stand Down, they receive a card with their name on it. They are required to visit at least three booths representing social service agencies before they receive food and clothing.
"These social services join together for a day for a sort of one-stop shopping for personal self-improvement," George explains the desire behind the Stand Down. "We want to provide a hand-up, not a handout."
Career move
As a Vietnam veteran, the Stand Down has a special place in George's heart.
"I was unhappy with a lot of things when I came home," George remembers his early days home from the war.
Putting the war behind him, he became a city planner for the city of Atlanta, during a time of great development there.
"It was a great place to be," George recalls. But he reached a point when he knew it was time for a change. "I didn't want to work with organizations anymore. I wanted to work with people."
Eventually, his desires led him to Youngstown, working with the Veterans Administration.
Shortly after his arrival, he joined the Mahoning County Homeless Coalition and has become one of the more than 100 volunteers who assist with the Youngstown Stand Down every year.
Now, instead of hoping for an order to stand down, he is providing that time of refreshing and rejuvenation to others. The trenches never felt so good.
gwhite@vindy.com
XTo volunteer or donate food and clothing to this year's Stand Down, call (330) 744-1703.