A man wearing a blue and white plaid jacket over a dark colored t-shirt looks through a selection of brown boots. (Courtesy photo)
Boots are among items that will be available to former service members during the Veterans Stand Down at Santa Maria Fairpark. (Courtesy photo)

The annual Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 25, at the Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St., and veterans are encouraged to sign-up for resources and assistance.

The 13th annual event is open to all veterans, but tailored for homeless and at-risk veterans. The event is limited to the first 500 veterans, legal spouses, and dependent children younger than 18.

Applications for veterans are available at the Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down website, or by calling Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s office, 805-346-8402.

Among the more than 100 service providers will be Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, SEE International Vision Care, Showers of Blessings, Veterans Administration Medical, Veterans Administration Supported Housing.

Other organizations attending are Welfare-to-Work resume assistance, Transitions Mental Health, Legal Aid Foundation, Good Samaritan Shelter Services, Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, Community Partners in Caring, Center for Employment and Training, and Allan Hancock College Veterans Success Center.

Santa Barbara County will be there with resources including homeless outreach, the Probation Department, Public Defender, Parks Department, Santa Barbara County Public Health with vaccinations and immunizations, Housing and Community Development, Home Support Services and Public Authority, General Relief and CalFresh, and SSI advocate.

The Stand Down was created to provide veterans in need with a variety of resources, including food; haircuts; clothing; gear such as boots, tents and blankets; resume assistance; showers; educational resources; legal guidance; chaplain services; and readjustment counseling.

Stand Down organizers have created an link for donors to select much needed items at Walmart.com and have them delivered directly to Stand Down. Follow the directions under the sponsors/donations tab at www.sbcountystanddown.com and select from dozens of items needed by veterans.

Donations of gift cards are greatly appreciated and will be used to fill unmet needs for the day of the event.

Financial donations may also be sent to the Stand Down at the Good Samaritan Shelter, P.O. Box 5908, Santa Maria, CA 93456 with the notation that funds are for the SB County Veterans Stand Down. The tax identification number is 77-0133375.