Operation Stand Down Tennessee

Veteran service center - in 2024, osdtn welcomed and supported 2,338 unique veterans through the veteran service center a total of 16,046 times. The service center assists veterans with personal identification needs, benefits counseling, legal issues, reliable mail service, military records retrieval, transportation, clothing, food, personal care items, and referrals to appropriate community agencies. Through the service center, 972 veterans were screened for risk and wellbeing, 124 veterans were referred to our career services partners for employment, and 36 veterans were provided with legal representation and advice. 5,201 virtual hours were spent assisting veterans.

Transitional housing program (thp) - in 2024, osdtn provided transitional housing for 129 men and women veterans who have experienced homelessness. Thp had seven homes, two for women (7 beds) and five for men (35 beds) until renovations were completed in june for one building for individual rooms. Veterans in the program receive professional case management, participate in classes to help them reestablish a healthy, stable life, and learn how to create and manage an individual budget. Osdtn provides other wraparound services. 74% of veterans move into permanent housing.

Other program service accomplishments outreach services: operation commissary - osdtn launched operation commissary in 2021 to address food insecurity among veterans and their families. This program incorporates the basic functions of a food bank with innovative features to break through veteran-specific barriers, including service reluctance, hidden poverty, and lack of awareness. Non-perishable food can be picked up at an osdtn location or at a sattelite location like a vfw or student veteran center, or can be delivered to the veteran's residence. 4,585 food bags were provided to 859 veterans. Operation connect - operation connect was launched in 2023 to formalize outreach, engagement, and connection among veterans. Opconnect provides events, meetups, activities, online communication, and partner engagement to give veterans a chance to become a part of a stronger, supportive community of peers. 4,151 veterans were reached with outreach services during 866 engagements.