Stand Down set for Florida Veterans

Bay Pines VA will hold its annual Homeless Stand Down for Veterans at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center April 6.

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Veteran’s Courtyard located on the Bay Pines campus. 

“This is our first marquee event of the year, and we look forward to once again working with community leaders and partners to streamline access of VA programs and local resources for this segment of the Veteran population,” said Bay Pines VA Director Paul M. Russo. “This event reinforces our joint community of care for Veterans, and we are proud to offer various resources that will aid unhoused and at-risk Veterans who are on their road to recovery.”

“Providing the best health care to Veterans is critical to our mission.”

Bay Pines VA—along with Veteran Service Organizations and volunteers from across the area—will offer many forms of assistance, including medical care, toiletries, clothing items, meals, benefits and housing information, employment assistance and veterinarian services.

Veterans will also be able to receive assistance through the Stand Down Court, which provides opportunities for Veterans to speak with various legal experts from Pinellas County to address outstanding legal issues.

“Providing the soonest and best health care to eligible Veterans in addition to serving their whole health needs remains critical to our mission,” added Russo. “We will have enrollment teams in addition to staff from the St. Petersburg Regional VA Benefits office on site to discuss enrollment, eligibility and benefits with every Veteran.”