Veterans Can Get Help at the Seattle Stand Down

AARP this month is sponsoring the Seattle Stand Down, a free two-day event that helps veterans who are homeless or experiencing housing instability to access social services.

Among the offerings vets can take advantage of are haircuts and hot food; service providers will be on hand to help veterans and their families with housing, jobs, legal aid, and medical and dental care.

Named after a military phrase for rest and relief from duty, the annual Stand Down presents a one-stop setting where veterans can easily navigate the many benefits available to them.

It’s run by volunteers, many of whom are veterans who vow to “never leave a fallen comrade behind,” even after military members become civilians. Volunteers provide camaraderie, peer-to-peer support and a safe place for fellow vets to get help.

Part of a national grassroots movement to end veteran homelessness, Seattle Stand Down has helped nearly 4,000 former service members since 2011.

This year’s event will be on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, Dec. 13, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at South Seattle College’s Georgetown Campus, 6737 Corson Ave. S.

It will be held in Building C, also known as Gene J. Colin Education Hall. For more information, visit theseattlestanddown.org.

—Vanessa Ho