09/24/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
33rd Annual Houston Stand Down Brings Education, Career, Homeownership and Veteran Resources Together in One Place.
HOUSTON, Texas — Sept 22, 2026 — Veterans from across Greater Houston are invited to the 33rd Annual Houston Stand Down, a one-day event connecting those who served with a wide range of
resources, services, education, career opportunities, and community support.
The event will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 170 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX.
Houston Stand Down welcomes veterans of all socioeconomic levels, including veterans seeking career advancement, educational opportunities, homeownership guidance, health and wellness support, VA benefits assistance, community connections, or help navigating a life transition. The event is designed to provide a practical, welcoming place where veterans can meet directly with organizations committed to helping them build stability, pursue goals, and access the benefits and opportunities they have earned.
Participating veterans will have access to a variety of supportive services and resources, including:
• VA benefits assistance
• Housing and rapid-rehousing resources
• Homebuying and homeownership information
• Employment, career, and workforce-development support
• Education and advanced-degree guidance
• Health, wellness, and mental-health resources
• Basic-needs assistance
• Professional clothing and career-readiness support
• Community referrals and connections
• Additional veteran-focused services
“This event is about meeting veterans wherever they are in life and connecting them with meaningful opportunities,” said Chris Fahey, Co-Chair. “Whether a veteran is exploring a new career, pursuing a
degree or trying to overcome homelessness or substance use ... Houston Stand Down brings those resources together in one place.”
Houston Stand Down brings together veteran-service organizations, public agencies, education and workforce partners, healthcare providers, employers, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and community supporters. While the event has a longstanding commitment to veterans facing homelessness or housing instability, its mission serves the broad range of needs, ambitions, and goals represented throughout
Houston’s veteran community.
The annual event traces its name to the military term stand down referring to a period when service members leave an active combat area to rest, recover, and regain strength. For more than three
decades, Houston Stand Down has created a day of service, camaraderie, and connection for local veterans.
Veteran registration opened September 1. Registration is required to attend. Veterans can register and learn more at: https://careergearhouston.org/houston-stand-down
Community members, businesses, veteran-service organizations, and corporate groups are also invited to support the event through volunteering, in-kind donations, financial contributions, or participation as an on-site resource provider.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: 33rd Annual Houston Stand Down
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: 170 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX
Who may attend: All veterans, families, surviving spouses.
Registration: Online or in person the same day.
Information and registration: https://careergearhouston.org/houston-stand-down
Media contact: Chris Fahey, 832-989-3616
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Media are invited to cover the 33rd Annual Houston Stand Down and interview:
• Event leadership and Career Gear Houston representatives
• Veteran-service organizations, workforce-development partners, education partners, and participating employers
• Veterans who voluntarily agree to share their stories
• Volunteers and community partners supporting the event
Potential visuals include veteran registration and resource navigation, professional-clothing support, employer and education tables, community-resource booths, veteran and volunteer interactions, meal service, and on-site assistance.
Recommended media arrival window: 9:30–11:30 a.m., when attendance, service-provider engagement, and visual activity are likely to be strongest.
Join us in transforming lives with clothing donations and support.
