More homeless people are coming to Bradenton, but hundreds are helping this weekend
Though a cruel combination of skyrocketing housing costs, inflationary pressure on the price of everything else, and the lingering effects of the pandemic, Turning Points has seen a 25% increase in the demand for its services in the past year.
The requests for help are from those living on the streets as well as from families who are one paycheck away from being unable to pay their rent or utility bill.
In January, the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness conducted a point-in-time survey to provide a snapshot of homelessness in Manatee and Sarasota counties on a single night. The survey counted 594 homeless in Manatee County and 544 homeless in Sarasota, but the actual number was likely higher.
Despite that bleak picture, there is hope and help available.
Turning Points and its partners are hosting the 24th annual Stand Down 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto.
Originally, the event was for homeless veterans, but was almost immediately expanded to assist all people in need. “Stand down” is a military term for when troops are pulled out of combat for showers, meals and rest.
The Manatee County Stand Down is designed to help homeless and potentially homeless veterans and their families — well as non-veterans and their families — receive critical needs services.
Services include hot lunch, showers, distribution of hygiene products, clothing distribution, haircuts, general and mental health screenings (including flu and COVID-19 vaccinations), dental and vision services, veteran services, bus ticket raffles, employment services, job fair and Amnesty Court.
During the past few years, the Stand Down Amnesty Court by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court has dismissed over $70,000 in fines and court fees for local veterans.
Veterans Amnesty Court can assist with:
▪ Unpaid court fees/fines (closed cases)
▪ Unpaid traffic fines/fees
▪ Driver’s license assistance
Veterans Amnesty court is open to Manatee County and Sarasota County veterans, who are asked to bring their VA card or DD-214 and a driver’s license.
Opening ceremonies start the Stand Down at 8 a.m. The Open Door Band will perform all morning at the main stage. Jessica Pipino will sing the National Anthem.
In addition to Turning Points, other organizations which will be providing services include 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’s Services, Walgreens, LECOM, Goodwill Manasota, Family Resources Inc., Hope Family Services, Whole Child Manatee and many veterans or religious groups.
More than 300 volunteers from the community will be assisting in registration and providing services.
Agencies and volunteers can contact Margi Dawson mdawson@tpmanatee.org if interested in participating.
For more information, visit http://tpmanatee.org/
