Monterey Stand Down comes to Fort Ord Friday

The Monterey County Homeless Veterans “Stand Down” is scheduled for next weekend, Aug. 1- 3, at Fort Ord.

The event is aimed at providing veterans with meals, new clothing and supplies, access to medical and psychological care, and even legal assistance. Veterinary treatment for veterans’ pets also will be available.

During the event, homeless veterans will have their own community for three days, starting at noon on Aug. 1. Construction of the homeless veteran community begins at the old Fort Ord motor pool at 8 a.m. Wednesday, when all supplies will be moved on site. Once all supplies are offloaded construction of the tents will begin.

Support services vehicles will be moved on site Thursday and hooked up to power and plumbing where needed.

Opening ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday. Homeless veterans will be bussed, free of charge to the registration area. Congressman Sam Farr and state Sen. Bill Monning will be there to welcome the arriving veterans.

“Our Stand Down,” says Terry Bare, Executive Director of the Veterans Transition Center, “is fully encompassing. Our goal is to get our veterans back on their feet. If we can we can provide opportunity and hope, then we’ve done our job.”

Tax deductible donations are still needed. Mail your contribution to Monterey County Stand Down, c/o Veterans Transition Center, 220 12th Street, Marina, CA 93933, Attention: Marlene Baker.

For information on volunteering or donating, call Baker at 883-8387, extension 38. More information is also available online at Monterey Stand Down.