Idaho State University teams up with community to host Southeast Idaho Homeless Stand Down

Several Idaho State University departments and organizations are teaming up with the community to host the 19th annual Southeast Idaho Homeless Stand Down at Reed Gym, located at 936 Martin Luther King Drive, from 8 a.m. to noon on Oct. 19.

The event will feature a variety of services available with more than 35 university and community organizations volunteering. The event will include free flu-shots, dental exams, physical health exams, housing assistance, clothing, sleeping bags, two meals, and much more. Transportation will be provided through Pocatello Regional Transit.

“Our goal is to make sure we help those in need during hard times,” said Shawn Kelsch, chairperson for the event. “Last year we helped 151 individuals, and this year we expect more than 200. We are grateful for all of the volunteers from the University and the community. We had 175 volunteers last year, 85 of which were student volunteers. More than 700 hours were dedicated to this event last year. This year we are expecting even more people to volunteer.”

Individuals in need will register in the morning and eat a breakfast provided by Oliver’s Restaurant. Participants must then complete a minimum of five services offered that day which range from health exams and haircuts to warm clothing and hot showers. The event will end with sack lunches provided by Chartwells.

The Southeast Idaho Homeless Stand Down started in 1994 at the Salvation Army. After a few years the event outgrew the venue and was moved to Bannock County Fairgrounds. For the past three years, the event has been held at Idaho State University in order to provide a more central location and offer more services. Last year, 151 individuals received help, with 30 percent of them being veterans.

For more information or to volunteer, leave a message for Shawn Kelsch at (208) 339-3103.
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