Stand Down offers hand up, not handout to military veterans
One year after serving the needs of more than 500 military veterans experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, Sacramento’s Stand Down event, in partnership with the Volunteers of America, is anticipating an even greater response to this year’s event which kicked off Thursday.
“We are hearing of veterans coming not just from the Greater Sacramento area, but from around Northern California,” said Ana Bankert, a VOA spokesperson.
The annual three-day community initiative connects military veterans who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless with life-changing support services, according to a news release.
Support services include dental and vision care, VA benefits, employment services, civilian clothing, haircuts and hygiene services and pet care services.
The California DMV will be on-site this year to help veterans secure official government identification, a crucial step toward securing housing and employment.
“For the veterans, its a big blessing. A lot of them who come here get services are successful. And then they come back to help and talk to veterans who are now in the place they used to be in, and that’s probably the best advice. Those veterans will listen to that vet more than anybody else,” said Max Baumgartner, president of Sacramento Stand Down.
Services at the Stand Down event, which is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., are first come, first served.
The outdoor event is located at 10618 Schirra Avenue.
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