NASHUA — In New Hampshire, there are up to 600 homeless veterans and their families that need immediate assistance, prompting a local nonprofit group to spearhead a massive effort to help these former service members.

Whether they need haircuts, clothing, employment counseling or legal advice, Harbor Homes, Inc. is hoping to fill those needs next month with one of the state’s largest Stand Down events.

Harbor Homes, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, is hosting the Stand Down for homeless veterans on Sept. 27 in Nashua. Its mission is to provide veterans with relief, supply them with basic necessities and raise community awareness about homelessness.

It is also designed to bring together service providers, volunteers and professionals to create short-term and long-term solutions, according to organizers.

“A successful Stand Down requires months of preparation, hundreds of donations and the generosity of the entire community,” according to a news release issued by Harbor Homes. “It is critical for community members to get involved to show support and encouragement for the veterans.”

Erin Schaick of Harbor Homes is asking individuals, organizations and businesses to volunteer at the event, or donate much-needed items such as boots, gloves, blankets, hygiene products, non-perishable food or even used cars to help veterans get to work.

Various donations from companies are being sought, including food, vouchers, products, coupons, services and medical advice, according to Schaick.

“Professionals can volunteer services such as legal services, tax services, haircuts, dental care or apprenticeships,” she said in the news release, urging employers that are hiring to come talk with veterans.

According to the Government Accountability Office, there are between 423 and 600 homeless veteran families in New Hampshire.

Last month, Harbor Homes was awarded a $1 million grant to help combat homelessness among state veterans. The funding is being used to help prevent or end homelessness among 300 low-income veteran households, and help New Hampshire achieve its goal to be the first state in the country to effectively end veteran homelessness.

In 2011, there were more than 67,000 homeless veterans throughout the country, according to the release.

Matthew Milbourn, a veteran and employee at Harbor Homes, described the upcoming Stand Down as “the largest gathering of resources and volunteers” in the state with one mission — to end veteran homelessness.

“It provides a positive impact on the community as it raises awareness for a very serious issue and provides otherwise non-existent access to support services for local veterans and their families,” Milbourn said in a statement. “Without these types of events, there would be no outreach or community awareness to this problem.”

Harbor Homes is a local nonprofit group founded 30 years ago with a mission to create and provide residential and supportive services for individuals and their families with mental illness or struggling with homelessness, according to the organization’s website.

To learn more about the Stand Down, or to reserve a table, contact Andrea Reed or Dave Richardson at 603-882-3616. To volunteer, contact Schaick at E.Schaick@harborhomes.org.

What’s next: The Stand Down event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 27 at 45 High St., Nashua.

khoughton@newstote.com