CLEVELAND – On Saturday, April 18, 2026, local nonprofit Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) will host the 35th Homeless Stand Down – a model drawn from a Vietnam War era tradition, built on the belief that every veteran deserves a safe place to rest, recover, and reconnect.

Over 35 years, that belief has expanded to welcome every neighbor in need, offering a single day of immediate support and long-term resources, from hot meals and haircuts to cancer screenings and legal aid. Over 1,000 guests are expected to attend.
The Homeless Stand Down is made possible by 350+ volunteers, 60+ partner organizations, and the generous sponsors listed below.

Rick Fedorovich, BVU Board Chair and Executive Chairman of Bober Markey Fedorovich, shares:

“The Homeless Stand Down is what happens when the community steps up – hundreds of volunteers, dozens of organizations, showing up to spend a Saturday serving their neighbors. BVU is proud to be the connector that makes a day like this possible.”

The 2026 Homeless Stand Down will take place at Cleveland Public Auditorium on Saturday, April 18, from 10AM to 2PM. To learn more about how you can help, visit bvuvolunteers.org/homeless-stand-down.

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ABOUT BVU: BVU brings businesses and nonprofits together to help Northeast Ohio thrive. By creating a culture of purpose-driven leadership and volunteerism at businesses, we align skills, resources, and priorities to help nonprofits advance their missions, driving community and economic resilience.

Since 1993, BVU has matched 4,300+ professionals to local nonprofit boards, built relationships with 2,100 nonprofit organizations, and advised 500+ nonprofits on governance, succession, and strategic planning. When nonprofits are stronger, they are better able to support vulnerable populations and contribute to a healthier, more stable region.
Learn more: bvuvolunteers.org

2026 HOMELESS STAND DOWN SPONSORS

Platinum: Digeronimo Companies
Gold: Buyers Products Companies, MetroHealth
Silver: Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, CBIZ, Nestlé
Supporting: Community West Foundation, Humana, Jones Day, Meaden & Moore, LLP, Old Stone Church, The Sherwin-Williams Company

Contact: Sara Smith Lom, Senior Director of Marketing & Development, BVU
slom@bvuvolunteers.org | (216) 570-0143