KELSEYVILLE— The United Veterans Council held a Mobile Stand Down event at the Presbyterian Church located at 5340 Third Street in Kelseyville from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Council collaborates with numerous veteran organizations to bring as many resources as possible direct to veterans, especially those who are unhoused or facing immediate hardship. Lunch and cake were provided as well as nonperishable food items, clothing, toiletries and other necessities.
The President of the council Chris Taliaferro, who also serves as consolidated veteran representative for the California Employment Development Department, explained how the council began here in 2013 stating, “We didn’t have a V.A., we didn’t have a Stand Down, we didn’t have resources.” Thus, the council was created and began working with other veteran groups, meeting monthly to establish better access to resources for the over 7,500 veterans living in Lake County.
With the help of many volunteers the council was able to bring the Stand Down events here to Lake County and it has obtained a cargo trailer in order for members to be mobile themselves, allowing access to veterans who can’t travel to these events. The first Stand Down occurred in San Diego in the late 1980s, growing to over 190 events across the nation today. This Stand Down event is one of four held every year, with the largest being held in September at the Fairgrounds in Lakeport during a two-day event that draws a large crowd.
Council Vice President Dave Waldschmitt detailed how much logistical work goes into these events, and how it’s not just about providing food and clothing but the connections for veterans to be successful. “Our strength is in our quality of providers. I may not have the answers but what’s important is I know who to take you to,” he said.
Representatives from many different service groups were available for one-on-one interactions to get veterans the services and benefits they need. This included educational programs with the Lake County Campus, benefit help through Veteran’s Services, housing and financial assistance with Nation’s Finest, employment opportunities through the Employment Development Department and mental health and substance abuse services with Hope Rising, among others.
Originally founded in 1972 in Santa Rosa, Nation’s Finest is an organization that provides housing, financial, and employment assistance to at risk veterans aiming to prevent homelessness. They can provide rental arrears payments as well as rental assistance, but will also provide financial aid for utility bills and according to case manager Sherri Forman, “We can even cover the cost of car repairs if they are necessary to keep you housed.”
More information on the Stand Down events and other veteran services can be found on the Lake and Mendocino County Vet Connect Facebook page or the United Veterans Council website uvclc.org.
