Stand Down offers help for veterans in need

A weekend program to promote health and social services for area veterans starts Friday at Independence Hall. The seventh annual Veterans Inc. Stand Down offers nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental resources to homeless and in-need veterans and their families. More than 40 providers will be on hand, and there will be free food, clothing, personal-care items, haircuts, massages, acupuncture, counseling, and legal advice. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The name of the event, according to the Worcester-based Veterans Inc. organization, refers to the “stand down” process for units returning from combat operations, providing access to clean uniforms, warm meals, medical and dental care, mail, and camaraderie in a safe environment. Veterans should bring a DD-214 or a Veterans Administration-issued card as proof of status. For more information, or to preregister for the event, e-mail daleproulx@vetaransinc.org.