Stand Down event is back in 2021 to make a difference in lives of Manatee homeless
After skipping a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the annual Stand Down event to assist homeless veterans and others returns for its 23rd year year Saturday.
Stand Down will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. This year’s theme is “Never Alone. Always Together.”
The event, organized by The Turning Points Yellow Ribbon Veterans Program and its partners, focuses on helping homeless veterans and veterans at-risk of becoming homeless, as well as their families.
Stand Down also assists non-veterans and their families.
Services offered include hot lunches, showers, distribution of hygiene products, and clothing, haircuts, general and mental health screenings, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, dental and vision services, veteran services, bus ticket raffles, employment services, and Amnesty Court.
Amnesty Court, conducted by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, has dismissed more than $60,000 in fines and court fees in recent years for local veterans. The court can assist with unpaid court fees and fines for closed cases, and with unpaid traffic fines and fees.
Last year, Amnesty Court was the only part of the Stand Down that held, said Margi Dawson, development director for Turning Points.
Manatee County and Sarasota County veterans are asked to bring their VA card or DD-214 and a driver’s license.
Opening ceremonies for the Stand Down, so named for the respite given combat troops after returning from the field, begin at 8 a.m.
Local rock band The Open Door Band will perform all morning at the main stage. COVID19 protocols will be in place and enforced.
Turning Points is partnering with more than 25 local organizations, including 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, and Whole Child Manatee.
Among the goals of Stand Down is to gets vets off the street, provide a roof over their heads, and to introduce them to job opportunities.
For more information about Turning Points, visit http://tpmanatee.org/
