The Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down & Food Pantry is dedicated to extending a helping hand up to homeless, low-income and at-risk veterans and their families. These heroes have sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution and people of the United States of America. Now we must uphold them in their time of need.
We administer a multi-faceted program designed to accommodate each client’s unique circumstances. Our mission is to offer wraparound services to our qualifying veterans through the many aspects of our organization which include:
-Raising community awareness to and advocating for the unmet needs of veterans.
-Nourishing hungry veterans and their families with nutritional food boxes.Equipping homeless and newly housed veteran households with clothing and furnishings.
-Outreaching as many veterans as possible through our biannual Stand Downs.
-Helping clients obtain Veterans Affair benefits and medical system enrollment.
-Providing veteran to veteran peer counseling and referrals to homeless shelters, housing, jobs, VA medical clinics, mental health specialists and other community resources.
-Building self esteem by extending a helping hand up NOT a hand out; we provide a warm welcome, haircuts by appointment, access to laundry & shower facilities and hot coffee.
-Our Thrift Store "Veterans Clothing & More Store" is geared to supporting our community by offering good quality clothing & furniture at low prices.
-The Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Loan Program offered by Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down & Food Pantry serves to provide low-income and at-risk individuals with medical equipment free of charge.
-New Camp Ponderosa in Swan Lake (Bigfork) a Veterans and Community Camp Retreat and Learning Center is under development. Providing the opportunity to get away and reconnect by attending retreats and offering skills and relaxation.