Veterans Services Stand Down: Supporting and Honoring All Who Have Served

Volusia County Veterans Services has a dual mission as the team leads the Stand Down: providing crucial support to homeless veterans while bringing together our entire veteran community in fellowship and recognition. The 2024 national snapshot identified 75 homeless veterans in our area - a 6% decrease from 2023. While this progress encourages us, we know that supporting homeless veterans requires the strength of our entire veteran community working together. 

Primary Mission: Supporting Homeless Veterans

Volusia County Veterans Services Stand Down's primary focus is connecting homeless veterans with life-changing services and support. Through our "hand up, not handout" approach, we work to break down the barriers keeping these heroes on the streets. Essential services include:

• Housing assistance and shelter services
• Medical and dental care
• Mental health support
• Substance abuse treatment referrals
• VA benefits consultation
• Employment services
• Legal aid

Coming Together as One Veteran Community

Veterans Services Stand Down is also a time for all veterans to come together, share experiences, and support one another. The event offers:

• Opportunities for veterans to reconnect with fellow service members
• Recognition ceremonies honoring all who served
• Resources and benefits information for all veterans
• Ways for stable veterans to mentor and support veterans in need
• Community services for veterans of all backgrounds
• Health and wellness screenings
• Social and networking opportunities

Why Your Presence Matters

Every veteran who attends Volusia Counties Veterans Stand Down strengthens our community:

• For veterans experiencing homelessness: You'll find immediate support, resources, and a community ready to help you rebuild.
• For veterans in stable situations: Your presence provides hope and mentorship to fellow veterans in need. Your experience navigating civilian life could help another veteran find their path.
• For all veterans: This is a time to connect with others who understand your service, access valuable resources, and be recognized for your contributions to our nation.

Join Our Mission

Whether you're a veteran seeking assistance, a veteran looking to help others, or a community member wanting to support our cause, your participation matters. Together, we create a stronger veteran community where:

• No veteran has to call the streets home
• Every veteran finds the support they need
• All service is honored and remembered
• The bonds of military service continue to unite us

Join us in this mission of serving those in greatest need while bringing together all who served. Because when veterans support veterans, we all grow stronger.

What is a Veterans Stand Down?

A Veterans Stand Down event is a community-based program designed to provide essential services and support to homeless and at-risk veterans.

Stand downs are modeled after the stand down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat. At a secure base camp, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment.