SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The 10th Annual Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down Event on October 15 will connect hundreds of veterans to a range of services, according to organizers. I was.
Of the 389 veterans who attended, over 100 classified themselves as homeless.
According to organizers, the event helped connect veterans to services such as clothing, housing assistance, legal aid, mental health counseling and medical care.
Backpacks filled with hygiene kits and survival gear were also distributed, along with hot meals and approximately 100 different assistance services at the event.
Founded by Santa Barbara County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, the event is aided by approximately 100 consistent volunteers.
Many of the 509 total volunteers who attended this year’s event were active duty military personnel from Space Force Station Vandenberg.
“Santa Barbara County is blessed with great public-spirited citizens who, in addition to their day-to-day activities, have a strong sense of community.
New providers participating in this year’s event include Surgical Eye Expeditions (SEE) International, Direct Mortgage Funding, California Council on Problem Gambling and Legacy Village.
For more information on the Santa Barbara County Stand Down, please visit their website here.
The next stand down event is scheduled for October 28, 2023.
