Homeless Stand Down

April 18, 2026 10AM-2PM

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About the Event

Created over 30 years ago to address veteran homelessness, Cleveland’s Homeless “Stand Down” — a military term referring to a secure base camp for battle-weary soldiers — has since evolved into an annual day of service for neighbors in need.

Since 2020, BVU has leveraged its position as a connector between Northeast Ohio nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to steward the region’s Homeless Stand Down efforts, providing guests with necessary resources, respite from the elements, and reconnection to the community.

Get Involved

Let’s make an even bigger difference.

Donate

$50 provides 10 rides to and from support. $100 outfits 6 people with warm clothing. $1,000 connects 25 neighbors to care.

DONATE

Sponsor

How will your organization support the community? You sponsorship allows BVU to uplift those who need help the most.

SPONSOR

Spread the Word

Use the flyer below to spread the word to volunteers, sponsors, donors, or anyone who might want to help.

FLYER

Does your organization serve individuals who may benefit from the resources, respite, and reconnection provided at the event?

Use THIS FLYER to help us serve as many neighbors as possible – print it out, post it, send it!

By the Numbers

people experience homelessness each year in Cuyahoga County.

individuals provide volunteer support each year by distributing food, clothing, and more.

%

of guests surveyed in 2025 agreed that the resources gained will help them in the future.

organizations provide services and resources each year.

Feel the Impact

Together at the 2025 Homeless Stand Down, we provided nearly 900 neighbors in need with dozens of new and returning resources, from cancer screenings to record expungement.

VIEW RECAP

VIEW GALLERY

Featured Stories

Ideastream Interview

“Last year, Cuyahoga County vowed to cut its homeless population of 5,000 by 25% by 2027. Affordable housing is at the center of the plan, but until then, BVU will continue providing people with things they need, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.”

Read

Volunteer Spotlight

Gary Bullard’s third year volunteering at the Homeless Stand Down quickly became a family affair. But he wasn’t the ringleader: “My daughter found this opportunity on her own – she was the one who got [everyone] involved. It makes me feel like I’ve done something right.”

Read

In the News with WKYC

“Last year, Cuyahoga County vowed to cut its homeless population of 5,000 by 25% by 2027. Affordable housing is at the center of the plan, but until then, BVU will continue providing people with things they need, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.”

Watch

What Participants Say

Thank you for the opportunity to photograph this inspiring event! It was so well-planned and seemed to go seamlessly. Congratulations to all who made this happen! I think the guests really appreciated it.

Rosemary Flanagan

Cleveland Photographic Society

I enjoyed the event and marvel at all the organizing needed. You are all to be commended!

Bonnie Lukcso

Cleveland Photographic Society

I've witnessed large-scale operations during my time in the military, but year after year, the Homeless Stand Down impresses me as one of the most well-organized events I’ve had the privilege to be a part of. Thank you for all you do to help the most vulnerable in our community.

John Gereaux

PNC

The Homeless Stand Down volunteer experience was incredibly rewarding and eye-opening, and everyone was friendly and excited to be part of it. I loved it and hope to volunteer again in the future!

Dana Aritonovich

Medical Mutual

A breathtaking, extraordinarily well-organized day and the perfect way to give back. It was truly a blessing to laugh, sing, and enjoy a meal with guests and new friends — this event helped me find my calling in helping others. Thank you.

Theresa Hutchins

University Hospitals

I enjoyed the event so much and was amazed at the hard work and caring people I saw.

Sheila Sabol

Lakewood City Schools

This was my 3rd year volunteering for this event and it gets better each year. Looking forward to more!

Travis Zugay

DiGeronimo Companies

This year's Homeless Stand Down was the most organized and respectful event that I’ve participated in. It is my favorite “done in a day” volunteer opportunity. The dignity in which the guests were treated and the resources provided are so appreciated.

Holley Fowler Martens

HSD Volunteer

Thank you for inviting us to such a wonderful engagement. The hospitality was second to none, and the number of smiling veterans we encountered make me believe wholeheartedly that the event was very successful.

Lovell W. Payten

Veteran Service Commission

The Stand Down isn't the solution to homelessness, but it connects people to resources that might end their homelessness. For a lot of people this is the beginning of the journey.

Rob Zaremsky

Director, Business and Community Engagement, BVU

Get in Touch

For inquiries about volunteering or donating goods, reach out to Rob Zaremsky at rzaremsky@bvuvolunteers.org.
For inquiries about providing resources or services, please contact Ann Cancelliere at acancelliere@bvuvolunteers.org.

2026 Sponsors

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Supporting

Community West Foundation
Humana
Meaden & Moore, LLP
Old Stone Church

Cuyahoga Job and Family Services
Department of Veteran Affairs
Educational Opportunity Center at @TRI-C
Emerald Development & Economic Network, EDEN, Inc.
FrontLine Service
Garfield Heights United Methodist Church
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Hear in Cleveland
Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio
Hyland
LaBarberia Institute of Hair
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
LegalWorks
Love My Hair School
MedWish Medworks
Merymaat Barber
MetroHealth
Molina Healthcare
Mt. Calavry Baptist Church
Mt. Sinai Foundation
NAMI Greater Cleveland
National Council for Jewish Women (NCJW)
Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH)
NORA
Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services
Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center
OhioGuidestone Workforce 360
Peace Lutheran Church
Pride Among Daughters and Sisters
Rising Well (Formerly Front Steps Services)

Rotaract Plus Northeast Ohio
Shadybrook, Inc.
StandUp for Kids
Starting Point
Step Forward
Step Into Housing
Sunshine Insurance Group
The American Red Cross
The Centers
The George Gund Foundation
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank
The Salvation Army Greater Cleveland
Towards Employment
University Hospitals
United Way of Greater Cleveland
Urban Barber Association
VA Northeast Ohio Community Resource and Referral Center
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
Veterans Benefits Administration
Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana
Volunteers of Ohio Veteran Programs
We Think 4 A Change
Welty
West Side Catholic Center
ZENworks Yoga