Bay Pines VA Releases Details for 2024 Homeless Stand Down for Veterans
PRESS RELEASE
February 23, 2024
Bay Pines , FL — Today, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System announced plans to hold the organization’s annual Homeless Stand Down for Veterans at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center.
The organization has scheduled the event for Saturday, April 6, from 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/CEO 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.”
Bay Pines VA, along with Veteran Service Organizations and volunteers from across the area, are offering multiple forms of assistance which include: medical care, toiletries, clothing items, meals, benefits and housing information, employment assistance, veterinarian services, and DMV 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 VBA Office, on site to discuss enrollment, eligibility, and benefits with every Veteran.”
Veterans interested in attending the stand down should bring a copy of their DD214, birth certificate, and social security card. Veterans who cannot furnish documentation will receive assistance on site. For questions about this event, please contact Bay Pines VA Homeless Program Coordinator Blossom Kapper at 727-430-9535.
For additional information on this release or future coverage opportunities: Contact Bay Pines VA Healthcare System’s Public Affairs Officer Rob Frazier at Robert.Frazier1@va.gov or 727-317-8120. See the latest news, stories, and Veteran health care information available on our official website or official social media accounts.
Robert Frazier, Public Affairs Officer
Medina Ayala-Lo, Public Affairs Specialist
