VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County’s Veterans Services Division is hosting a Veterans Stand Down event in April, providing free services for the county’s homeless veterans.

The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 19 and 20, at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Avenue in DeLand.

While there, veterans and their families can get free haircuts, clothing and lunch served by Bull & Boar BBQ Supply Company. Farm Share, a nonprofit food bank, will also provide boxes of food.

Representatives from multiple agencies will also be available to discuss veterans’ benefits, career and education resources, homeless veterans’ resources and health care information.

Volusia County human resources staff will be on hand to share information about county job openings through its “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative.

Other participating agencies for the Stand Down event include, Volusia County’s Florida Department of Health, VITAS Healthcare, CareerSource Flagler|Volusia, Supportive Services for Veterans Families, Daytona State College and the Daytona Beach Vets Center.

Stand Downs for homeless veterans are modeled after the "stand down" concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat. At a secure base camp, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. 

For more information on the event, reach out to Scott Olson at 386-740-5102. To learn more about Volusia County Veterans Services, visit https://www.volusia.org/veterans.