Stand Down Serves Veterans

Led by Fifth District County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, Santa Barbara County hosted its fourth annual Veteran Stand Down event on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the Santa Maria Fairpark, to connect homeless and unemployed veterans with an array of services in one location.

Over 500 local veterans and their families attended, including over 100 homeless veterans. Free transportation to the Fairpark was provided from seven locations countywide. Services were offered by nearly 100 public and private agencies, aided by about 300 volunteers and 150 active-duty military personnel.

Veterans Administration staff screened arrivals for veteran status, and explained VA benefits. A uniformed active-duty Airman then joined each veteran to literally walk him or her through the vast array of services available. The military escort system is unique to Stand Down, establishing a supportive environment that promotes a sense of belonging, acceptance, camaraderie and respect. The escort can also carry any goods acquired during the visit, which is especially helpful for veterans who are frail, elderly or disabled.

Services available at Stand Down included:

• Basic necessities including two meals, showers, clothing, boots and shoes
• Supplies such as personal hygiene products, backpacks, can openers, and nonperishable food
• Medical services including flu shots, medical exams from the VA, and dental services from the Community Health Clinics
• Counseling for mental health, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, intervention, and employment
• Employment and training referrals
• Screenings for public benefit programs, gift cards for food, grants for rent deposits, and bus tokens for follow-up appointments in the community
• Services for female veterans only including women’s preventive health services; mending, alterations and career wear; massages and makeovers; and job coaching and resume help
• Pet services including vaccinations and microchipping

Participating County agencies included the Departments of Social Services, Public Health, Probation, and Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Services; as well as the Public Defender, Superior Court, DA Victim Witness, Child Support Services, and County Veteran's Services Office.

Stand Down represents the culmination of a year’s worth of planning by dozens of partners, supported in part by outreach from the Central Coast Collaborative on Homelessness, aid from the Federal Homeless Veteran Reintegration Grant, and the passion of local volunteers eager to give back to the veterans that have served our country. DSS looks forward to participating in Stand Down once again in 2016.