2003.58.1

The t-shirt is made of grey cotton, and is an adult large. On the front of the shirt is a shield with the American flag, and dog tags hanging over it. Around the shield it reads, "Veterans Helping Veterans, Stand Down North Bay, A Hand Up Not A Hand Down." On the back side, is the sign of the sponsor who printed the t-shirts, Partnershops Healthplan of California.

The concept of Stand Down, as related specifically to the homeless veteran crisis, was the brainchild of two Vietnam Veterans, Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon Nachison. The first Stand Down was held in San Diego during the summer of 1988. The popularity of the event has steadily grown. According to the VA, there were 114 Stand Down events across the country in 2001, providing services to more than 19,000 homeless veterans. It is estimated that as many as 100,000 homeless veterans have received assistance at Stand Downs.