Homeless veterans are in for some good news: A one-day event will provide medical, dental, housing and employment assistance for free.
On Sept. 11, more than 70 social service providers will participate in the Third Annual Seattle Stand Down, a community-driven response for veterans in need. Representatives from local businesses, nonprofits and educational institutions will offer employment opportunities, housing resources, legal aid, referrals to substance abuse counseling and haircuts — all for no cost.
Some services will be provided at Seattle Central Community College, Mitchell Activity Center, 1718 Broadway. Services geared specifically for women, including breast cancer screenings, information about domestic violence and military sexual trauma, and even manicures, will be available at the Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway.
Both facilities will be open from
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free parking is available at the Harvard Garage, at East Pine Street and Harvard Avenue.
Lunch will be provided to attendees by FareStart, which trains homeless and low-income people to work in the food industry. Clothing and health and hygiene items will also be available.
While statistics from the Department of Housing and Urban Development reveal that the percentage of homeless vets has declined by more than 17 percent since 2009, nearly 800 veterans lacked adequate shelter last year in Seattle and King County.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determined that between 2006 and 2010, female vets were three times as likely as male vets to identify as homeless. Surveys of homeless people do not adequately represent female veterans, the VA found.
Seattle Stand Down is organized and led in large part by veterans who are college students. Last year’s event provided assistance to almost 350 homeless and at-risk vets.