Operation Stand Down offers an opportunity for veterans to take advantage of safe harbor from “combat on the streets” for one weekend a year.
Operation Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 38,000 homeless veterans, according to Operation Stand Down’s web page.
The event provides a time for the community to connect with our homeless veterans and to begin to break down the barriers that are keeping these heroes on the streets.
The “hand up, not a handout” philosophy of Operation Stand Down requires the work of volunteers, businesses, and local, state and national organizations.
Organizations will be available to provide direct services; veterans will have access to benefits they are entitled to receive; and referrals will be offered for those struggling with mental health, job, housing and addiction issues.
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles shared news of the event during the Pasco County Commission’s April 19 meeting.
This year’s event is set for April 29 and April 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on both days, at The Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 111919 Alric Pottberg Road, in Shady Hills, off State Road 52, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.
Online registration for the event is open and walk-up registration begins on April 29 at 10 a.m.
Veterans taking part will have access to:
- Free public bus transportation, to those who preregister
- Free sleeping area
- Free hot meals
- Free notary services
- A job fair
- AA, NA and Celebrate Recovery support groups
- Haircuts, showers and clothing
- Medical and dental services
- Behavioral and mental health services
- Housing resources
- State photo identification cards
- Jobs and employment counseling
- Personal hygiene kits
- Women and children services
- Recreation, such as cornhole, card games and other activities
For more information, visit OCNStandDown.org.
Want to help?
Here are some ways you can help with this year’s Operation Stand Down, according to the organization’s web page:
- Donate goods: Reading glasses, boots, backpacks, personal hygiene items and more
- Donate time: Volunteers are needed to cut hair, serve meals, set-up, clean up, sort donations, provide medical and dental services, massages, therapy, and so on.
- Provide needed goods and services for veterans and their families
- Be a corporate sponsor
- Donate funds to help purchase food, personal hygiene items, tents, port-o-lets, sleeping cots and other necessary supplies
For more information, visit OCNStandDown.org.
Published April 27, 2022
