Cleveland, February 9, 2006--The City of Cleveland Department of Public Health, InterReligious Partners in Action of Greater Cleveland (InterAct Cleveland), and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) support the fifteenth annual Homeless Stand Down, to be held February 10, 11, 19, and 20. The Stand Down will rotate through four different locations, with each day focusing on a specific need. A hot meal, take-away dinner, continental breakfast, entertainment, service providers, medical consultations, haircuts, massages, podiatry screenings, and raffles will be available all four days.
February 10, the Stand Down will be based at the Catholic Charities' Bishop Cosgrove Center (E. 18th and Superior Avenue). Friday's services focus on health screenings, including those for cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, mental health, vision, and foot health. This is the only time that all of these services will be provided in one location for the homeless.
February 11, will be held at Pilgrim Congregational Church (W. 14 and Starkweather) and will feature a winter clothing distribution.
February 19, the Stand Down moves to Trinity Cathedral (E. 22nd and Euclid Avenue) and features an interfaith worship service and distribution of personal care kits.
February 20, the final day of the Stand Down, will be held at Franklin Circle Christian Church (Fulton and Franklin).
There are three themes for the Stand Down: Resupply, Reconnect, and Respite. Homeless individuals are able to resupply themselves with basic winter clothing and personal care items. The health screenings and social service providers allow individuals to reconnect with the health and social service systems. Respite refers both to offering a warm place on cold days when many public venues are closed, as well as providing homeless individuals with an emotional respite-a small period of relief from the constant struggle of surviving on the street or in shelters.
For more information or to find out ways that you can get involved, please contact the InterAct Cleveland office at (216) 271.0230.
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