Calling all veterans in San Luis Obispo County! Veterans living in San Luis Obispo County can receive a variety of free services, from clothing and haircuts to legal advice and employment opportunities, on Thursday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial building in San Luis Obispo.
The County’s Department of Veterans Services and Department of Social Services have teamed up to present MASH – Stand Down. MASH stands for Mobile Assistance and Services Addressing Homelessness. The Stand Down typically focuses on homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. The traditionally separate events will be offered to the community as one. The county is seeking the community’s support to help get the word out.
“If you know a veteran in SLO County, we hope you’ll tell them about this event,” said County Veterans Services Officer Christopher Lopez. “This is our community’s way of thanking veterans for their service and providing them with vital services absolutely free of charge.”
More than 50 businesses and nonprofits have signed up to provide their services for free at this event. Veterans are encouraged to register for the free services ahead of time at www.slostanddown.org/participants or by calling 805-781-5766.
Free transportation to and from the event is being provided to veterans living in South County and North County. Services include:
- Banking Services
- Bike Repair
- Cell Phones
- Child Care
- Clothing
- Counseling
- Education Services
- Employment Services
- Food Stamps
- Haircuts
- Housing Assistance
- ID Cards
- Legal Services
- Library Services
- Massage
- Pet Services
- Showers
- Social Security Benefits
- Substance Abuse Services
- VA Medical Assistance
- Veteran Services
- Vision Care
- Wheel Chair Repair
- Women’s Services
“This is a great networking opportunity for local veterans as well. We encourage all veterans to attend even if they don’t think they need these services,” Lopez said. “You might find that you might get something positive out of this event, even if it is a new professional connection or a way to reconnect with other veterans.”
In addition, representatives from Homeless Courts will be available to help veterans resolve minor violations and warrants. More information can be found at www.slostanddown.org.