Weekend Event to Help Homeless Veterans

Homeless veterans will gather at Ventura College this weekend for the 2001 Stand Down, an annual relief effort.

During the event, which runs Friday through Sunday, veterans will live on campus in military-style tents and have access to shower facilities and clean clothing.

Dozens of public and private agencies will provide services to the veterans, including medical treatment, legal and employment counseling, drug and alcohol counseling and housing information.

More than 2,000 homeless veterans from Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles counties have participated in the three-day encampments over the last 10 years.

Veterans can register in advance at the county’s Employment Development Department or at most social service agencies in the county.

Donations of men’s underwear, white socks, new tennis shoes or bulk food items, such as eggs and meat, are encouraged.

For information on registration or donations, call Claire Hope at 987-3118.