Volunteers Needed to Aid Homeless Vets

Ventura County Stand Down planners are hoping to enlist nearly 500 volunteers to help out with the fifth annual homeless veterans weekend at Ventura College July 25-27.

Sharon Dwyer, event co-chairwoman, said she needs people to help set up, clean up and check people in at the gates.

Other duties might include setting up cots for veterans, pitching tents, posting signs, sorting clothes and serving meals.

The three-day Stand Down, which in military terms refers to moving from combat to safety, offers aid and relief for homeless veterans of Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles counties.

Two hundred to 300 veterans are expected to live on the Ventura College campus in military-style tents during the event. They will also have a chance to take showers, eat and receive legal counseling, medical attention and haircuts.

Volunteers or donors of cash, food or clothing may call Dwyer at 648-8976.