The New Mexico Veterans Integration Center (NMVIC), NM Department Workforce Solutions - VETS, NM Department Veterans' Services, and the VA Medical Center unite with federal, state, local and other non-profit organizations to assist homeless veterans during what is known as the Stand Down & Project Hand-up in Albuquerque.

Stand Down is a military term originating from times of war when exhausted combat troops were given the opportunity to return to a place of relative security to rest and recover. Stand Downs today have become common as a means to care for and advocate for homeless veterans. Every day, like the soldier in combat, the homeless veterans must continue to do battle. His enemies often include lack of shelter, unemployment, physical and emotional difficulties, legal difficulties, substance abuse and hopelessness. Battling these enemies on a daily basis creates a self-destructive cycle leading to complete withdrawal from mainstream American society. To aid homeless veterans in regaining their dignity and self respect, our help is required - our organizations offer a 'hand up' not a 'hand out'

Partners Include, but not limited to:

• AMVETS
• NM Department of Veterans' Services
• Disabled American Veterans
• American Legion
• Military Order of the Purple Heart
• VARO
• NM Department of Workforce Solutions/VETS
• Focusing on Abilities
• NM Human Service Department
• Albuquerque Metro Homeless Court
• NM Legal Aid
• NM Legal Aid - Protection and Advocacy
• NM National Guard
• Kirtland Airforce Base
• NM Air Guard
• NM Veteran's Hospital
• Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS)
• NM Office of African American Affairs
• US Social Security Administration
• US-HUD
• VA Medical Center-ABQ
• De Wolff's College-Hair Styling

 Song written and performed by Ron L. Edwards, Veteran (USMC) www.youhaveforgottenme.com