PANAMA CITY, FL – CareerSource Gulf Coast and more than 35 local agencies and organizations have joined together to host Friday’s 15th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down, providing resources to the area’s homeless veteran population.
The event takes place on Friday, August 26, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Gulf Coast State College, Student Union East, in Panama City. (Download flyer here.)
Homeless veterans are invited to attend for a day of respite and connection to 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, formerly Bay Town Trolley, is provided to and from the event, for those who identify themselves as veterans.
As of January 2021, Florida had an estimated 2,231 homeless Veterans, as reported by the Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These individuals are in need of 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 15th 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
AMVETS Post 47
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
Lion’s Club
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