Homeless veterans find a new home

By Lori Porter
Acorn Staff Writer

For the past 10 years, Stand Down, a weekend camp-out event for homeless veterans, has taken place at the Ventura College football field. But Ventura College can no longer host it because the newly refurbished football field is now synthetic instead of grass; tent poles would damage the surface. But Oaks Christian School and Calvary Community Church have offered their facilities for the event.

Claire Hope, founder and chairwoman of Stand Down, said she’s excited about their offer and feels relieved.

Herb Stout, a Westlake Village attorney who volunteers every year as Stand Down’s chaplain, attends Calvary. When he asked his church about hosting it, he was thrilled when they said yes. "It was a joint resolution from Oaks Christian School and the church that they will open up both their campuses," Stout said.

Stand Down sets up camp every year, providing shelter, clothes, hot meals, showers, haircuts and medical and counseling services for homeless veterans during an entire weekend. This year’s Stand Down at Oaks Christian School campus will take place July 18 through 20.

Facilities at Oaks Christian include 11 showers for men and women. But what makes it even more special is that Stand Down will save about $4,000 in additional expenses this year because expenses for a sound system and rent will be eliminated. The money that’s saved will help buy clothes, personal items and food.

Volunteers are needed for various duties, Hope said, including help with setup and serving meals. Stand Down also needs donations of new clothing and underwear. Sunglasses, hats and wallets are also needed, she said. "It gets hot in the summer and a hat can really help a homeless person," Hope said.

Because this year’s event will be 30 miles east of the usual site, Stand Down is also facing transportation problems. It will require, Hope said, extra effort by organizers and a separate committee may have to address it.

To volunteer for Stand Down, please call Claire Hope at (805) 987-3118.