PANAMA CITY, FL – CareerSource Gulf Coast and more than 30 local agencies and organizations will join forces to host the 17th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down, providing free services and resources to the area’s homeless veteran population.
The event takes place on Friday, September 13, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Gulf Coast State College, Student Union East, in Panama City.
Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are invited to attend for a day of camaraderie and connection to free 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, blankets, and sleeping bags
Free bus transportation by Bayway is provided to and from the event, for those who identify themselves as veterans.
Florida has an estimated 2,170 veterans who are homeless, as reported in the Council on Homelessness 2024 Report by Florida’s Council on Homelessness. These veterans need supportive services and resources to help them secure stable housing as they rebuild their lives.
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 17th 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. For more information, call (850) 872-4340 or visit
https://careersourcegc.com.
Organizations, sponsors, and volunteers include:
American Legion 356 Auxiliary
American Red Cross
Bay County Vet Center
Bay County Veterans Council
Bayway Transit
CareerSource Gulf Coast
CARE Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort, Inc
Disability Resource Center
Family Service Agency of Bay County
Florida Department of Children and Families
Florida Department of Health Bay County - Diabetes Services
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
Gulf Coast State College
Hair Affair
Happy Rollers Ladies Bowling League
Hope Florida - DCF
Infinity Speaks
Little Caesars Pizza – Lynn Haven
Naval Support Activity – Panama City
Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
Oxford House Inc
PanCare of Florida, Inc.
Panama City Housing Authority
Pirates of the White Sand and American Charlie
Project Narrow Way
Salvation Army Domestic Violence Program
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The Ark - Veteran Mission
Tudor's Biscuit World Panama City, Florida
Tyndall Air Force Base
Tyndall Spouses Club
United Way of West Florida
Veteran Affairs HUD-VASH
Veterans Task Force of NW Florida
