Monterey County holds Stand Down for homeless vets

“Well you know, we got to take care of these guys,” said Veteran Foundation Center Chair Tom Griffin.

After nine months of preparation, the Monterey County Stand Down will be providing care to the county’s homeless veteran population.

“We’re talking food, medical, dental, housing, DMV, judges to forgive them of their sins and just an awful lot of services to see that in three days. We can meet all their needs, and have them leaving here feeling good about themselves and also meeting those needs,” said Griffin.

Griffin told News Channel Five that all the services brought to the Monterey County Stand Down are donated, including the time of volunteers.

“This is a community of effort. We’ve got, you know, the Monterey Bay area is such a collection of wonderful people who are from all walks of life,” said Griffin.

The goal for the Stand Down is to make the homeless veterans feel as comfortable as possible by providing care for the veterans and their pets.

“Probably about 15 percent of the homeless population veterans are women and sadly about 95 percent of them have been assaulted,” said Griffin.

For three days the Stand Down, a term used for soldiers to relax during the Vietnam War, will make sure that the homeless veterans get the help they need.