LAKEPORT >> The United Veterans Council of Lake County and Vet Connect/Stand Down Committee thanked the many providers at this year’s Veteran Stand Down, which helped offer services to over 150 veterans.
Veterans met with more than 25 different providers each day. Services included Lake County Department of Social Services, County Veteran Service offices for both Lake and Mendocino counties, Hospice, Lake Transit Authority and Lake County Mental Health among many other support services such as Woodland College, Safe RX and Habitat for Humanity among numerous other state, county and local services. The Department of Veterans Affairs offered Member Services Representatives from the Clearlake and Ukiah Outpatient Clinics, HUD VASH intake and referrals, Community Nursing Home, Veteran Benefits Administration as well as other departments. Legal Services of Northern California offered expungement services and Frontline Mobile Dental provided cost free dental services both days, sponsored in full by the Redbud Community Health District; mini health screenings were administered by nurses from Sutter Health and Mendocino Community Health Clinic. Sutter Lakeside Hospital provided lunch at no charge both days of the event, the meals were prepared and served by Be Fresh and other community volunteers. Homeless Veterans received supplies such as boots, backpacks and bags, sleeping systems and tents; coats and jackets were provided by Hospice. LTA provided free bus rides to all Veterans going to and from the Stand Down.
The Vet Connect/Stand Down committee was comprised of 25 organizations, 50 representatives and 38 volunteers that attended the Stand Down both days and to those who began with the setup and stayed for the tear down of the venue.
The next Vet Connect event will be held at the American Legion Hall in Clearlake on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch provided. The 2018 Stand Down is expected to be held September 20-21, again at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
For more information on how to help Lake County Veterans, contact Frank Parker at 707-274-9512. To stay up to date regarding future events, to request information, or if interested in being a provider at these events, join the Facebook group: Lake County Vet Connect Hookup Hub. Donations can be made to LCVC at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport. These donations are used to purchase surplus items and for services such as the Dental Van, transportation costs and other services.
