Friends and family members joined veterans for a day of services, support, and connection in Manchester. 

Thank you Eversource for this terrific video!

MANCHESTER, NH — More than 200 people, including 156 veterans as well as family members and friends, gathered Friday at Eversource Energy Park for the 22nd Annual NH Veteran Stand Down. Harbor Care organized the free event in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Presenting Sponsor Eversource, and more than 50 participating veteran-service organizations. 

Veterans met directly with organizations offering housing assistance, medical and mental health care, employment services, VA benefits and claims assistance, legal and financial resources, food, clothing, and other support. The event welcomed all former service members, veterans, and military families while continuing its longstanding focus on veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

“Stand Down is about making sure veterans and their families can find support without having to navigate it alone,” said Henry Och, President & CEO of Harbor Care. “More than 50 organizations came together ready to help, and veterans showed up for each other. That sense of connection is every bit as important as the services available here.” 

This year, Stand Down also celebrated Manchester’s recent achievement of effectively ending veteran homelessness. Led by Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais, the initiative was coordinated by Harbor Care, the Manchester VA Medical Center, and other community organizations. 

“Since September 2024, 136 veterans experiencing homelessness have moved into permanent housing, and we have reduced the average time from identifying a veteran experiencing homelessness to permanent housing from approximately 284 days to 90 days—a 68 percent reduction,” said Och, a U.S. Army veteran. 

The initiative also created a system that can quickly identify veterans experiencing homelessness, connect them with services, and help them secure housing. Harbor Care helped Nashua achieve the same milestone in 2017. 

Special Guests

Senator Maggie Hassan 

“We owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid to the many service members and their families whose sacrifice helps to make our nation safe, secure, and free. Events like Veterans Stand Down are a great way to give back to these heroes by helping connect veterans to everything from job opportunities, health care and mental health care resources, other veterans organizations, and much more,” said Senator Hassan. “I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make it easier for New Hampshire’s veterans to access the care and benefits that they have earned and deserve.” 

U.S. Representative Chris Pappas 

“NH Veteran Stand Down is a great annual event that brings veterans together with veteran service organizations and resources for housing, employment, and more. I was thrilled to join veterans, families, and community members at the event this weekend, and I thank Harbor Care for hosting and for everything they do to help Granite Staters stay safe, healthy, and live with dignity,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. 

U.S. Representative Maggie Goodlander 

“This Stand Down was New Hampshire at its best: neighbors and veterans showing up for one another, refusing to let a single person who served this country fall through the cracks. I’m truly grateful to Harbor Care, the VA, and every volunteer and service organization who made the day possible. We have a sacred obligation to our veterans — this was further proof of what it looks like to honor and keep it,” said U.S. Representative Maggie Goodlander. 

Mayor Jay Ruais 

“Manchester made a commitment that no veteran who served our country should be left without a place to call home,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “Through the extraordinary work of Harbor Care, the Manchester VA Medical Center, and our many community partners, 136 veterans have moved into permanent housing since we launched this initiative. Stand Down is another example of that same commitment in action, bringing veterans together with the services, resources, and support they have earned. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to show up for our veterans and their families.” 

Robert Coates, Eversource’s President of NH Electric Operations 

“It was an honor to host Harbor Care’s NH Veteran Stand Down at Energy Park for our third consecutive year,” said Eversource’s President of NH Electric Operations Bob Coates. “Eversource is stronger because of the unique skills and experience hundreds of veterans bring to our workforce. Connecting veterans and their families with services they’ve earned and deserve is a meaningful way for our team to show that we have their backs like they’ve always had ours.” 

Sponsors and Partners 

Eversource served as Presenting Sponsor of the 22nd Annual NH Veteran Stand Down. Other sponsors included Gilead, Needham Bank, Marquis Management, Tulley Automotive Group, Sunbelt Rentals, Taylor Rentals, AEG, M&T Bank, Rockland Trust, CGI Business Solutions, Clark Insurance, and Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. Additional partners also include VFW of NH, Coca-Cola Northeast, WFEA Radio, and Scotty’s Potties. 

Harbor Care is dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness through housing, healthcare, and veteran services. As an innovative nonprofit organization, Harbor Care assists more than 5,000 adults, children, and families in New Hampshire each year, offering solutions to some of life’s most challenging issues. The organization provides transitional and permanent housing; medical, dental, and mental healthcare; substance use treatment; HIV/AIDS support services; and veteran services for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Learn more at www.harborcarenh.org.