We encourage veterans and their families to attend the summer 2016 Veterans Stand Down, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 16 at Sheridan Park Community Center, 680 Lebo Blvd., Bremerton.
The Stand Down, presented by the Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program, is an important event. Veterans and their families can receive a host of complimentary services: dental care, vision screening, counseling and assistance obtaining housing, employment and furthering their education. Qualifying veterans and family members may also receive free clothing, sleeping bags, groceries and personal hygiene items.
Active-duty personnel approaching their time of transition to civilian life can receive information and resources to help make that transition as seamless as possible.
Agencies that will be present include the federal and state departments of Veterans Affairs, the state Department of Social and Health Services, Abraham House, American Red Cross, Asset Building Coalition, Housing Solutions Center, Kitsap Community Resources, Kitsap Legal Services, Kitsap Transit, Olympic College, Vet Center Mobile Unit, WorkSource and veterans service organizations.
This event is open only to current and soon-to-be veterans and their families. Bring your DD214, military retiree ID card, or VA card. Unaccompanied family members must bring a DD214 and proof of relationship.
We thank the sponsors for making this event possible, among them the City of Bremerton, Grocery Outlet, Kitsap Credit Union, Kitsap Area Veterans Alliance, Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Puget Sound Energy, Silverdale Chamber of Commerce, Suquamish Tribe, VFW 2669 Riders Group and Walgreens.
Kitsap County has several programs that can assist veterans, especially those in need. Contact the Veterans Assistance Office, 360-337-4811 or 360-337-7185 for information about temporary emergency assistance. Call 360-473-2056 for information about the Housing Options Group for veterans who are currently homeless or at high risk for homelessness; the group meets 1-2 p.m. Mondays at Kitsap Community Resources, 1201 Park Ave., Bremerton.
