Friday is 16th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down

Homeless Veterans Stand Down Returns Friday for 16^th Year of Free Services to Area Homeless Veterans

PANAMA CITY, FL – CareerSource Gulf Coast and more than 40 local agencies and organizations have joined together to host Friday’s 16^th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down, providing free services and resources to the area’s homeless veteran population.

The event takes place on Friday, September 15, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Gulf Coast State College, Student Union East, in Panama City.

Homeless veterans are invited to attend for a day of respite and connection to services and resources, including:

• Breakfast and lunch
• Haircuts
• Medical, dental, vision, and mental health services
• Housing referrals
• VA benefits
• Employment services
• Backpacks with toiletries and non-perishable food
• Clothing, socks, and bed rolls

Free bus transportation by Bayway is provided to and from the event, for those who identify themselves as veterans.

Florida has an estimated 2,504 homeless veterans, as reported by the Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These veterans need resources to help them get back on their feet.

The original Stand Down for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health, and overall sense of well-being.

More details about the 16^th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down are available at https://careersourcegc.com or by calling 850-872-4340.

CareerSource Gulf Coast is the state-designated workforce development authority in Bay, Gulf, and Franklin Counties. No-fee workforce development and job placement services are provided to job seekers and employers.

Organizations, sponsors, and volunteers include:

CareerSource Gulf Coast

90 Works

American Legion Post 392

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 392

American Red Cross

Bay Correctional Facility – MTC

Bay County Veterans Services

Bayway (formerly Bay Town Trolley)

Catholic Charities

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 17

Disability Resource Center

Doorways of Northwest Florida

ESPN Northwest Florida Radio 104.3 FM

Family Service Agency

Florida Department of Health Bay County

GFWC Women’s Club of Panama City

Gulf Coast State College

Hair Affair

Little Caesar’s Pizza

Maximus

Mission BBQ

Naval Support Activity Panama City

Panama City Housing Authority

PanCare of Florida

Publix

Royal American Management

Salvation Army Domestic Violence Program

The Ark

Tudor’s Biscuit World

Tyndall Spouses Club

Tyndall Air Force Base

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Suicide Prevention
United Way Veteran Support Line

Veterans Task Force of Northwest Florida

VITAS Healthcare

VFW Post 8205

VFW Post 8205 Auxiliary

VFW Post 10555 Emerald Coast

Volunteers of America

Warriors’ Watch Riders