TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Career Source Gulf Coast has joined forces with Tyndall AFB and many other local organizations to hold the 9th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down event 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sept. 22 at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Panama City, Fla.
U.S. military veterans make up 12 percent of the adult homeless population nationwide, and the event will help those in the Bay County area.
The Stand Down will provide veterans with employment services, medical assistance, housing referrals, social services, Veterans Affairs benefits counseling and personal hygiene services. Volunteers will also distribute donated goods such as non-perishable food items and toiletries.
“I have always felt that is our responsibility to give back to those who took the charge before us to ensure our freedoms were secured,” said Master Sgt. Michael Martin, 325th Medical Group first sergeant. “The community’s contribution will ensure that homeless veterans will be provided basic clothing, medical care, haircuts and possibly aid in helping the member find a job.”
In addition to the goods and services being provided, the event also gives current service members the chance to interact with the veterans.
“During the event, we pair a Tyndall volunteer with one of the homeless veterans to be their guide for the day,” said Maria Goodwin, Career Source Gulf Coast Workforce Services director. “You can really see the mutual respect and bonding that happens. I think that’s really important as we try to help them take the next step to getting off the street. The volunteer and involvement that we have from Tyndall Air Force Base is critical.”
Along with Career Source, more than 40 local organizations and businesses will come together to ensure veterans get the help that they need.
“This is a community effort,” Goodwin said. “It would not be possible without the many different volunteers and community organizations that helped organize, plan and be a part of the event.”
Team Tyndall donated more than 7,000 pounds of goods to last year’s event. This year, members can bring toiletries and non-perishable food items to the collection boxes at the Airey NCO Academy, the 325th Security Forces Squadron lobby and the 325th Medical Group lobby.
“As of today, we are very far from meeting our goal,” said Tech. Sgt. Kimbeli Stinson, Airey NCO Academy instructor. “It is imperative that people continue to donate. We have the duty and honor to take care of our people.”
There are still volunteer slots available. To sign up contact Master Sgt. Martin at 850-283-7729. For more information contact Career Source Gulf Coast at 850-872-4340.
Editor note: Veteran statistics from DoSomething.org