Relief Camp Set Up for Homeless Vets

Homeless veterans looking for a way to get off the streets, clear up criminal matters or apply for a job can show up for an annual relief camp this weekend at Ventura College.

The seventh annual “Stand Down” will be held on the football field at the campus at 4667 Telegraph Road. The program runs Friday through Sunday.

The relief effort, named after a military term for moving from a combat zone to a secured site, has helped more than 1,000 veterans since it started in 1993, said event founder Claire Hope.

“The main focus is to provide as many services as possible to help veterans break the cycle of homelessness,” Hope said Wednesday.

So far, 160 veterans from Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles counties have preregistered for the event.

Early registration has ended but veterans can sign up at the gate between 8 a.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday.

Seabees from the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme set up two dozen housing and administrative tents Wednesday and volunteers sorted donated pants, shirts and shoes to be handed out to participants.

Veterans will be able to sleep on cots in tents during the weekend and use shower facilities. They will also receive free meals, haircuts and medical services.

Lawyers and judges will help veterans deal with outstanding misdemeanor warrants with on-site hearings, Hope said. Community service as a sentence will be offered.

Representatives from the Social Security and Veterans administrations and other private and public agencies will be available.

The gates open at 8 a.m. Friday. For more information or to make a food or cash donation, call Hope at 987-3118.