Services Offered to Homeless Veterans

Ventura College’s football field will be transformed for three days this month into a social service camp where homeless war veterans can shower, see a dentist or clear their record of misdemeanor tickets.

The July 26-28 event--called a “stand down,” after the military term for escaping from a combat to a safety zone--is designed to help homeless veterans get back on their feet by providing them with a range of government services.

“Many veterans don’t even know what services they are entitled to,” said Sharon Dwyer, an event co-leader. “This allows us to bring them to one location and help them break the cycle of homelessness.”

Last year, the college helped about 120 veterans from throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties and the San Fernando Valley. That total was somewhat low, Dwyer said, partly because many vets had already been helped during stepped-up social programs in the wake of the 1995 floods.

This year, organizers are equipped to house 350 veterans in tents with cots.

The vets--who will be bused in from 17 locations throughout the three counties--will receive three meals a day, free haircuts and have access to showers.

They will also be able to take advantage of medical, mental and dental screening.

Representatives from Veterans Affairs as well as the Social Security, employment development and motor vehicle departments will be on hand.

Volunteer judges and lawyers will be available to address outstanding misdemeanor warrants and convictions. The “court” will be linked via computer to the county’s judicial system.

More than 300 volunteers will assist.

Veterans may register in advance during regular office hours at various social service agencies throughout Ventura County.

For more information, call 654-6459.