CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Thirty years ago, an organization began in Nashville to help an increasing number of homeless veterans in the state. In 2015, that group, Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN), expanded with an office in Clarksville and has greatly increased the services it provides.

Penny Anderson, chief development and external affairs officer for OSDTN, said their mission is to engage, equip and empower military veterans and their families through crisis, career and connection services.

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“What that means is we are going to meet a veteran where they are in their cycle of life and in their cycle of need. Some of our veterans are experiencing crisis, homelessness, financial insecurity and hunger, and other clients need help navigating in their civilian careers,” Anderson said.

A lot of veterans are just trying to make a connection. Many active-duty servicemembers experience incredible camaraderie, but when they transition out of uniform, that no longer exists.

OSDTN helps veterans connect with each other through relaxation, activities and community service. Anderson said 70% of the OSDTN Board of Directors and 60 percent of their staff are veterans, so it is really a peer organization.

The organization, which serves 20 counties in Middle Tennessee, works with programs they have set up along three lines of effort and service: Crisis, Career and Connection.

Crisis support covers homeless prevention and homeless relief. “We do everything from rapid rehousing to providing food, clothing and hygiene kits for veterans who are struggling. A transitional housing program is also available,” Anderson said.

Something new for career service is career recon, designed to help military members in their early transition into civilian life.

Another new initiative for OSDTN when it comes to connection is suicide prevention. “We are one of the only service providers in the state of Tennessee selected to give suicide prevention programs through the VA, and with that program we are doing intensive outreach connection events,” Anderson said.

OSDTN is going to be at Shelby’s Trio on Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. for a free Meet-Up event. “Meet-Ups are one of the ways we bring veterans into the fold. We want the veteran community to come out and have a great time together with your fellow veterans,” Anderson said.

Operation Stand Down Tennessee’s local office at 115 N. Third St., and they are open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m.-4:30 pm. Get more information by visiting OSDTN.org, email info@osdtn.org or call 931-896-2184.

Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is an ongoing Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.