Meet Roy J. Foster, Founder of Stand Down and Faith Hope Love Charity, Inc. — a veteran whose personal journey from homelessness and addiction to recovery and renewed purpose became the foundation of a mission that has changed countless lives.
A former U.S. Army veteran, Roy returned to civilian life with plans for his future, but instead found himself homeless and struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol. After experiencing firsthand the hardships, dangers, and uncertainty of life on the streets, Roy found the strength and resources to rebuild his life. Through that experience, he discovered a deeper purpose: helping fellow veterans who were facing the same challenges.
In 1994, Roy and the late Donald Reed, also a formerly homeless veteran, turned that vision into reality by co-founding Faith Hope Love Charity, Inc. Together, they established Stand Down to help veterans access the resources, care, and support they need to reclaim their lives.
That original vision has grown into a comprehensive network of services, including Stand Down House, First Stop Veterans’ Resource Center, and housing for veterans and families. Today, that mission continues to expand with Village of Valor, a planned community of 54 affordable homes for veteran families, which broke ground in 2025 with an anticipated opening in 2027.
Roy’s story is a powerful reminder that a difficult chapter does not have to define a lifetime. His lived experience became a driving force for change, helping build a lasting mission rooted in compassion, understanding, and the belief that every veteran deserves a safe place to call home.
💙 Stand Down is proud to spotlight Roy J. Foster — a founder, a veteran, and a reminder of what can happen when personal experience becomes a lifelong commitment to serving others.
Leave a Reply