2016 Stand Down Benefits Manatee County Homeless Veterans

From Turning Point Manatee:

The Yellow Ribbon Homeless Veterans Program, part of Turning Points' effort to assist the homeless citizens in Manatee County, is holding its 18th annual Stand Down event on Saturday, November 5th, 2016, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Manatee County Fair Grounds, 1303 17th St. West in Palmetto.

"The overall objective of our Yellow Ribbon Program at Turning Points is to provide support services for homeless veterans, including assistance with housing, food, healthcare and other basic needs." said Derrick Heard, Yellow Ribbon Program Manager. "This year we expect to see over 130 homeless veterans at Stand Down, and we will assist them with free services, including transportation to the event, a hot breakfast, new clothing and shoes, medical and dental screenings, eye exams, haircuts, showers/hygiene items, veterans services, resume assistance and legal consultations."

This event focuses on helping homeless and potentially homeless veterans and their families but also helps non-veterans and their families receive critical needs services. These services include: hot breakfast, showers, distribution of hygiene products, clothing distribution, general and mental health screenings (including flu shots), dental and vision services, veteran services, and legal service consultations. Opening ceremonies start the Stand Down at 8:00am with all of the services following thereafter. The Open Door Band (a renown local rock band) will be performing all morning and then prizes will also be raffled off at 11:30am.

Turning Points is partnering with over 25 local organizations including: Bay Pines VA Medical Center, The Salvation Army, Centerstone, CareerSource Suncoast, MCR Health Services, the Florida Department of Children and Families, Manatee County Health Department, Jewish Family and Children Services, Legal Aid of Manasota, Walgreens, LECOM, Goodwill Manasota, Family Resources Inc., Hope Family Services, Whole Child Manatee and many Veterans, religious, and other organizations.

Stand Down will be a life-changing event for many of the veterans we will see on November 5th. It is absolutely amazing to see the transition that can occur in a homeless veteran's life upon accessing the Yellow Ribbon Program at Turning Points, as he/she gets off the street, is placed in a home, is given exposure to job opportunities and starts a new life!

Photo Courtesy of Turning Point