2015 Homeless Veterans 'Stand Down' event planned for April 25

JFCS, on behalf of its partner organizations, is pleased to announce that the 2015 Homeless Veterans “Stand Down” event, which connects homeless veterans to vital services, will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 25, at the William L. Little Health and Human Services Center (Health Department), 2200 Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota. Additional services will be offered at the Payne Park Auditorium, a short walk away. Veterans should bring their ID (VA card or DD-214 form), if available.

There is no cost to attend and bus passes are available in advance by calling 941-366-2224, ext. 146. The “Stand Down” event is a way for homeless veterans not already receiving services to get access to the many providers and available support in a one-stop setting.

Veterans who attend the “Stand Down” will be able to get help in accessing VA benefits and services. Housing assistance also will be available for homeless veterans. Local organizations providing mental health and substance-abuse treatment, and legal and employment services will have representatives on hand to supply information and referrals. The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (formerly known as Sarasota County Health Department) Health in Motion Mobile Medical Unit will be parked nearby where no-cost blood pressure, blood sugar (diabetes) screenings, and HIV testing, as well as health education will be available. In addition, attendees can get help with finding a primary health care provider.

A team of barbers, hair stylists and nail technicians from Manatee Technical Institute will be on hand to offer haircuts and manicures. Nonperishable food items, personal-care items and VA surplus items also will be provided. The Salvation Army will provide food and refreshments.

“We’re proud to be a part of a community effort to help homeless Veterans with much needed resources,” stated Wilfredo Tellado, director of veteran services “We’re also grateful to all the community partners who participate each year and make the event a success.”

Partner organizations for this event include JFCS, Florida Veterans for Common Sense, Bay Pines Healthcare Services, The Salvation Army-Sarasota Command, All Faiths Food Bank, Manatee Technical Institute, the City of Sarasota, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, and Sarasota County Government. Goodwill Manasota, the Florida Department of Children and Families, Legal Aid of Manasota, 12th Circuit Public Defender, National Veterans Homeless Support Inc. are also partners for this event. Funding for this event is provided in part by the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service and the Disabled American Veteran Charitable Service Trust.