The city of Compton, the United States Veterans Inc. and other organizations are partnering, to provide assistance to local homeless veterans as part of their seventh annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down program.
Stand Down helps local veterans in need by providing services, support, information and assistance to enhance their quality of life. Volunteers and service providers offer clothing, sleeping supplies such as blankets and pillows, coats, food, health care, vision care, dental care, referrals to temporary and permanent housing, and other services.
The event is organized by Councilwoman Barbara Calhoun, U.S. Vets Inc., and the Veterans’ Stand Down Planning Committee of Compton.
“In 2003 I was going to a conference in San Diego, and while I was on the freeway I passed this big sign that said Stand Down. I asked everybody in the car what it meant and nobody knew. When I came back to Compton, I started asking around about it, and I was directed to the Veterans Administration (V.A.). They explained to me that a veterans stand down is a one, two, or three-day event where veterans, homeless or not, are offered a variety of valuable services. So that is what started the Homeless Veterans Stand Down in the beautiful City of Compton. This is my seventh year doing it, and I’ve partnered with a lot of different people from the West L.A. V.A. and the Long Beach V.A. The event this weekend is a three-day event, they (veterans) can stay overnight if they want to, if not they can go home and come back each day. The vendor offers moderator services to find them homes, get them jobs, drug treatment, individual housing, and help to get their benefits back. They get the opportunity to shower, swim and their children can play,” said Calhoun.
There will also be church services and food provided.
“This is really a place where these people can rest and be at ease and it’s really a beautiful event,” added Calhoun.
The program will be held at the Compton CareerLink WorkSource Center, located at 700 N. Bullis Rd., Compton. Sept. 25-27. Doors open at 6 a.m. each day.
The Homeless Veterans Stand Down is in need of donations and volunteers. Donation needs include clothing, sleeping supplies such as pillows and blankets, coats, hangars, bottled water, hygiene kits including hair brushes, combs, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes and toothpaste, towels and other hygiene-related items, duffle bags or backpacks, and monetary donations.
For more information on the program or how to make a donation contact Kanichia House at (310) 605-5510.
