The Athens Area Stand Down again helps veterans and others in need for a 10th year

By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
Posted on: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – For the 10th year, the Athens Area Stand Down event provided clothing, healthcare, career services and more to veterans and at-risk people in Athens County.  

“It’s one of those things where you hope you go out of business,” said Athens Area Stand Down Vice President Terry St. Peter. “But unfortunately, homelessness and being at-risk is something that doesn’t go away.” 

St. Peter said the event has grown over the years, now helping 75 to 100 veterans over the course of the day. He credited the growth to the work the organization has put in to raise awareness about the event. Beyond social media, Athens Area Stand Down sends individuals to unhoused communities to make them aware of the services they can receive.  

In year one, the event had individuals enter en masse to pick up pre-packaged goods. Now, it spans from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first Friday of each October, with the first two hours being for veterans. This exclusivity is vital to attract at-risk veterans. 

“It’s a proud class of people that don’t usually reach out for help,” said Athens Area Stand Down President George McCarthy. “So, by providing this event, we give them a safe area to do that.” 

The organization’s website provides the reason for its designation as a “Stand Down.” After troops are removed from combat, they return to the relative safety of base camp to receive their essential needs.  

The first year, a dozen agencies participated in the Stand Down to provide assistance. The event now has over 20, including Athens County Job and Family Services, the Ohio Heritage College mobile clinic and Hopewell Health Centers. 

“We have people now that volunteered that we didn’t even contemplate at the beginning, but now they want to come lend a hand and assist,” said McCarthy.