AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) is proud to announce the successful completion of the 2025 Homeless Veterans Mobile Stand Downs—an initiative that brought vital resources and services directly to veterans and their families across the state.
This year’s Stand Downs reached and assisted veterans in Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, Augusta, and surrounding communities, connecting a total of 82 homeless veterans with the help and hope they deserve. Through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to service, the events provided comprehensive support to veterans in need—offering housing and employment resources, financial assistance, and on-site services such as health screenings, counseling, and benefits navigation. Each Stand Down also included a free lunch, haircut, access to winter clothing, and other essential items.
“These Stand Downs are a testament to what we can achieve when local, state, and federal partners come together for a common cause—ensuring that every veteran in Maine has access to the care and support they’ve earned,” said David Richmond, Director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services. “We’re incredibly grateful to our partners and community organizations for their continued collaboration and dedication to serving Maine’s veterans.”
This year’s success was made possible through the collective efforts of the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and a wide network of local shelters, community organizations, and state agencies. Together, these partners demonstrated the power of community action in helping veterans achieve stability, independence, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
While the 2025 Mobile Stand Downs have concluded, the mission continues year-round. MBVS’s dedicated Homeless Veterans Coordination Team and its partners remain steadfast in their commitment to assisting Maine veterans and their families, particularly those facing housing insecurity, by providing ongoing outreach and access to essential resources.
MBVS works in partnership with local organizations, federal and state agencies, and other veteran service providers to ensure these events meet the unique needs of Maine’s veteran community.
If you know of a veteran experiencing or is at-risk of homelessness, please contact our Homeless Veterans Coordination Team at 207-287-7019 or for assistance.
About Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services was established in 1947 by the State of Maine and is part of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management. Our mission is to help Mainers who served, and their loved ones, understand and navigate the benefits, services, and programs available to them. The Bureau does this by being a responsive, experienced, and dedicated advocate. The Bureau is headquartered at Camp Keyes and has seven field service offices located throughout the state and a claims office located at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Togus, Maine. The Bureau also operates the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery System which includes four veterans’ cemeteries. For more information about the Bureau or to request assistance, please visit our website at www.maine.gov/veterans.
