The Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down on October 15, 2022, is a safe place for veterans to get the help they need – healthcare screenings, employment assistance, on-the-spot assessments, crisis counseling, and much more.
The free annual event is geared toward unhoused and at-risk veterans. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St. in Santa Maria.
Dozens of agencies are represented for a one-stop experience. Clothing, shoes, and haircuts are also available. Veterans may also bring small pets to Stand Down for vaccinations and grooming. Everything is free of charge.
The event is limited to the first 500 veterans, legal spouses, and dependent children younger than 18.
An application for veterans who want to attend the Stand Down is available at the Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down website at www.sbcountystanddown.com or by calling Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s office at (805) 346-8402.
An application for veterans who want to attend the Stand Down is available at the Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down website at www.sbcountystanddown.com or by calling Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s office at (805) 346-8402.
A printable flyer is also available on the website.
Free transportation from locations countywide is also available, with information and pick-up times and locations listed on the website. All shuttles will depart the Fairpark after the event at 1 p.m.
This is the tenth year for the Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down. The Department of Social Services is proud to participate in the event each year.
Donation & volunteer opportunities
Stand Down organizers have created an easy link for generous donors to select much needed items at Walmart.com and have them delivered directly to Stand Down. Follow the directions 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.
Stand Down volunteers will also be available at a drive-through donation center Oct. 5 and Oct. 12 at the Santa Maria Fairpark. The site at the small livestock barn (enter at Gate 5, on West Stowell at Depot St.) will be open from noon to 2 p.m. those dates.
A collection in Lompoc will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 1-2 at Wal-Mart, 701 W. Central Ave. New items, such as sweatpants, sweatshirts and long-sleeve shirts are greatly needed.
The Stand Down Pet Zone is in need of donations, including 4-foot and 6-foot leashes, small dog and cat collars, small bags of dog and cat food, oatmeal pet shampoo and dog and cat beds.
Stand Down organizers are also in need of volunteer barbers and stylists for the event. Please email volunteer@sbcountystanddown.com for more information.