They were there when we needed them . . . We must be there now that they need us.
What is a Stand Down?
In times of war, exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recovery were removed from the battlefields to a place of security and safety. Today, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 67,000 homeless veterans transition from life on the streets back to civilian life.
Operation Stand Down is a time for the community to connect with our homeless and at-risk veterans to help break down the barriers that are keeping these heroes on the streets. The “hand up, not a hand out” philosophy of Stand Down requires the work of countless volunteers, businesses, and local, state and national organizations. Organizations will be available to provide direct services (including medical, dental, legal, spiritual) to ensure Veterans are getting benefits they are entitled to and provide referrals for those struggling with mental health, unemployment, homelessness and addiction issues.
Operation Stand Down
Location: Concourse Rotary Pavilion
11919 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills, FL 34610
*Vendors will be onsite April 19 & 20, 2024
Overnight veterans will return on Saturday, April 20th in the afternoon/evening.
Important Dates:
*Veteran Registration link will be open from January 8, 2024 – April 17, 2024. After April 17, 2024 Veterans can register at the event “Veteran’s Check-In Table.”
*Veterans who want to sign up for transportation, overnight accommodations, and/or Pasco County Veteran’s Court, must register between January 8, 2024 – April 5, 2024.
*Volunteer Registration link will be open on February 16, 2024. You must register before March 23, 2024, to guarantee your volunteer t-shirt size.
*Event Sponsorships are due by March 13, 2024
Does it make a difference? YES
Over the past seven years, we have been able to work with over 1,000 struggling veterans and their family members to connect them to services and resources.
2023 Successes
- 348 veterans attended Operation Stand Down, 71 stayed overnight.
- 102 veterans received 151 dental services (extractions, fillings, cleanings, dentures, & denture realignments) valued at $83,112.
- 106 veterans received medical screenings.
- 63 veterans received acupuncture.
- 51 court cases heard; total court cost & clearance fees waived $24,053.96.
- 55 different vendors provided multiple services.
- 25 veterans were signed up to receive food stamps.
- 7 veterans got their license restored.
- 11 separate workshops were offered focusing on Whole Health.
- 330 amazing volunteers gave over 2,347 hours of community service; total volunteer time valued at $64,964.96.
Stories from the 2022 Operation Stand Down event!
How Can I Help?
By donating to One Community Now, you help us be the hands and feet that our community needs. You give us the chance to help people who live in fear every day, and you help us build a community, because with One Community Now we don’t just help, we build relationships, trust and become family.
Come join us! Looking to get involved with One Community Now but may not know how? Volunteering is a great way to learn more about who we are and what we do. If you want to help others and make a change in people lives, sign-up today to volunteer.
During the rapidly evolving situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we are here to support you and your family in making sense of the situation.