HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.1 East Bay Stand DownEAST BAY STAND DOWN 2000
Stand Down is a term coined during the Vietnam War to describe the practice of removing troops from
the field and taking care of their basic needs in a safe area. East Bay Stand Down 2000 (EBSD2000)
will bdng displaced, needy and homeless veterans and their families into a safe, if only temporary,
encampment and give them opportunities to break free from the cycles of I~omelessness and dispair.
EBSD2000 is co-sponsored by the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo
Valley.
The need for this program is seen nationally as there are estimated over 250,000 displaced and
homeless veterans throughout the nation. Within the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) estimates that there are over 7,000 needy or homeless veterans.
In the Northern California area, estimates are as high as 15,000 or more.
Since' the first Stand Down was held in San Diego, in 1988, these events have taken place in over 200
cities nationwide. Over 100,000 veterans and their families have benefited from Stand Downs. These
events have proved to be very effective in helping needy veterans and their families. Surprisingly, a
significant number of these veterans have had little or no contact with the DVA for either monetary or
medical benefits. Nor have they had much contact with any other agencies offedng assistance. Aiding
or helping to improve their situations, especially for combat veterans, is a difficult process, but One which
cannot be ignored.
During EBSD2000, a "tent city" will be set up to house 300 to 400 men and women veterans, and their
families. This event will be held from September 7m through, 10~h, at Parks Reserve Forces Training Area
(Camp Parks), in Dublin, CA. Along with the DVA staff and other State, County and Municipal services,
a civilian volunteer staff including active duty and reserve military personnel will provide support during
the event. In 1999, there were over 700 volunteers. It is anticipated that approximately 1000 volunteers
will be required EBSD2000.
All veteran participants will be pre-registered and screened pdor to admission to the event to positively
determine their veteran status and eligibility. The participants will be bussed in from points in the Bay
Area and transported to Camp Parks. Upon arrival at-the "Tent City" the veterans will receive food,
clothing, shelter, showers and haircuts. Health Care providers will be present at the site to assist with
physical and mental health needs and counseling services. Counselors will also be available to work
with veterans regarding substance abuse, emploYment options, veterans' benefits and spiritual concerns.
At best, it is sometimes difficult to make Doctors' and other appointments across town, and sometimes
even more difficult in dealing with the bureaucratic red tape. Typically, a homeless person must spend
inordinate amounts of time and energy going from one service agency to another. Often, duplicate efforts
cause frustration and alienation from the very agencies and _p,r_ograms designed to help. During the
EBSD2000 these service providers will literally be at the veteran s doorsteP.
EBSD2000 is funded through monetary and in-kind donations. All monetary donations will be applied
directly to assist the needs of the veterans. No donated money will be used for salaries. All donations
are tax deductible.
A community is often judged by how well it takes care of its own. Serving those who have served our
Nation is the primary goal of the EBSD2000,
1899 Clayton Road, Suite 140, Concord, CA 94520, Tel: 925-691-7336, Fax 925-680-0410
Web-site: www.vnvdv, com/Emall address: L~.Burbine~aol. com
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EAST BAY STAND DOWN 2000
EBSDY2K will be bigger and barfer than 1999's event. The biggest addition is with major
financial support from a new co-sponsor; The Veterans of Foreign Wars' Women's Auxiliary from Antioch
Post 6435 who have made contributions of over $10,000 to EBSDY2K. They join the Vietnam Veterans
of Diablo Valley and the U,S. Department of Veterans Affairs Concord Vet Center as sponsors of
EB~DY?K.
The U.S. Army Reserves 2nd Medical Bdgade have authorized 2,5 full time soldiers to assist in
setting up and running the site for the duration of EBSDY2K. The U.S. Navy Reserves' Breme~on Navy
Hospital Detachment will assist with a full hospital team during EBSDY2K. The U.S. Air Force is
providing eight busses, with ¢lrivers and gas for transportation of participants to and from EBSDY2K.
Additionally help from over sixty airmen from the 60~' Air Mobility Wing end the 349th Reserve Air Mobility
Wing. Other local military units are involved f~om the U.S. Marine Corps, Re U.S. Coast Guard and the
U.S. Navy Sea Bees. Major support from Parks RFTA and the U.S. Army's RTS MED make the event
possible.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Northern CA Health Cam System Oakland Outpatient
ciir~ic will be leading the health care component this year. Participants will receive complete health
screenlng, TB testing, influenza vaccinations, vision exams and free glasses (with cases), dental exams
and treatment and other major follow up. The VA has also contributed $~12,500.00 in special funding
from the Stand Down 2000 national program. Other VA facilities from San Francisco, Martinez, Palo
Alto, Livermo~'e and Sacramento will be providing staff to support EBSDY2K in a number of areas,
Local community service organizations and corporate contributom including the Lions
International Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary Clubs, University of San Francisco, Knights of
Columbus, Destination Products International, Safeway Foods, Lawrence Livermore Laboratories
Veterans' Organization. Association of the Army of the United States of America, International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Livermore/Dublin Disposal Company, Mobile MoOular from Livermore,
The Tri Valley Interfaith Council, the Contra Costa County Interfaith Council and many mom are
contributing to and supportlng EBSDY2K.
This year's programs will include an unprecedented provision of legal services: The Alameda
Superior Court will lead the Superior Courts from Contra Costa and San Francisco in providing complete
court services at EBSDY2K to clear misdemeanor wan'ants anti infractions with alternative sentencing.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will combine services with the courts to clear minor traffic violations.
The District Attorneys and Public Defenders from all three counties will support the legal program.
Agreements for consideration for infractions from the other nine bay area counties not attending will be
facilitated.
The Social Security AdminiStration will have examiners at EBSDY2K to provide immediate
decisions for disability assistance to the participants. The CA Employment Development Department will
have JOBLINK set up at EBSDY2K for employment relerrals. The CA Department of Veterans Affairs
and the Disabled American Veterans will provide Veterans benefits assistance. Yountville Veterans
Homes, Palo Alto Veterans Housing, Operation Dignity and other agencies will screen and accelat those
qualified veterans from placement in residential care programs. Many other providers will be present to
help provide avenues for recovery.
Gospel Choirs, Dixieland Jazz bands, Rock and Roll and BlUes bands will entertain along with
double feature movies (complete witll frost1 popcorn), clowns, bingo tournaments, acoustic music, ping-
pong, dominoes anti other tournaments being held. Workshops in job finding, sobriety, self-esteem and
resource development will be held. Delicious meals will include a grilled line-caught salmon dinner
provided by Scoma's Restaurant from San Francisco. Celebrities and Dignitaries from the local area and
as tar away as Washtngtor], D.C. will ~lose the even! on Sunday morning with a LI.S Amly Pipe arid
Drum corps and full marching band playing the National Antlaem at the close.
24-hour security will be maintained throughout EBSDY2K. All participants will be escorted and
bussed back to their pickup points throughout the Bay Area. EBSDY2K is liability insured through private
carriers and through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Over 300 participants are expected to
arrive supported by over 700 volunteers and other staff.
1899 Clayton Road, Suite t40, Concord, CA 94520, Tel: 925-691.7336, Fax 925-650-tM10
Web-site: www.vnvdv.cont/Emall address: LZBurbine(~aol.com
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