Contact: Caroline Nazareno, Development and Communications Manager Veterans Village of San Diego nazarenoc@vvsd.net (619) 507-1549
Stand Down 2020 finds solutions amid the challenges of the pandemic by continuing to serve veterans experiencing homelessness and those at risk as San Diego moves to Purple Tier.
Event organizers are encouraging all veterans experiencing homelessness, job loss, or those who are at risk of losing their housing to attend Stand Down.
San Diego, CA – November 18, 2020: Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) will host its annual Stand Down at San Diego High School on November 22nd offering immediate intervention support to at-risk and homeless veterans. Efforts to plan a safe, contactless experience have been applauded by the county and the event deemed an essential program.
Though the annual Stand Down is in its 33rd year, the drive-through and walk-through service delivery model in response to the pandemic is a first. Access for the drive-through is the San Diego High School parking lot on Russ Blvd and 16th Street. Those accessing the walk-through can enter from Park Blvd. All participants are encouraged but not required to pre-register by calling 211 or visiting the website https://vvsd.net/standdown/.
Event organizers are encouraging all veterans experiencing homelessness, job loss, or those who are at risk of losing their housing to attend Stand Down.
List of Planned Services and Supplies
- Breakfast
- Sack Lunch
- Towels
- Assessment and Referrals
- Benefits
- Blankets/Sleeping bags
- Transitional Housing Referrals
- Clothing
- Hygiene Items
- Permanent Housing Information and Referrals
- Shoes
- Employment Information
- Information and Referrals to Local Homeless Programs and Services
- Homeless Court Services
Darcy Pavich, VVSD Chaplain and Stand Down Director, says of the event
“Stand Down is a place of miracles, if you believe in such; a place where a veteran suddenly thrust into homelessness can find an immediate solution and the same place where a chronically homeless person for more than 15 years can find a transitional place of recovery, treatment, education and training and 9 months later be reunited with their family in their own home.”
The event is still seeking volunteers to assist with build (Saturday, November 21, 2020) and breakdown (Monday, November 23, 2020) efforts. Volunteers and interested community members may find more information at the event web page https://vvsd.net/standdown/.
About Veterans Village of San Diego
Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) has served all veterans since 1981 and is dedicated to “Leave No One Behind.” Each year, VVSD provides services to more than 3,000 military veterans throughout San Diego County. For more information, please visit our website at www.VVSD.net.
