North Florida Fair-Changing Lives
Homeless and At-Risk to Homeless Stand Down Mark Harvey
As employees of various fairgrounds around the State of Florida, we focus our efforts on rides, food, vendors, and livestock. While I am no different than anyone else, I would like to tell you about a small event in Tallahas- see that has greatly benefited, if not changed the lives of a significant number of people. It’s called the Vet- erans Stand Down. The Veterans Stand Down in Tal-
Tents were used for a variety of things. This is the barber shop.
lahassee began five years ago, modeled after a
similar event in San Diego, California. The premise is to provide goods and services to Homeless Military Veterans in the local area. Homelessness among Veterans is a na- tional problem that leads to other problems. Homeless Veterans frequently fall through the cracks of
the Veterans Administration “system” and that results in medical, legal, and negative social issues. In too many cases the lack of timely, or any attention at all results in the free fall of these Veterans into negative societal issues and despair; despair that results in as many as twenty sui- cides each day. The Veterans Stand Down was created to help solve, or at the least mitigate many of the issues that confront Homeless Veterans in one central location, albeit for a short duration. That is where we at North Florida Fairgrounds come in. For one weekend in the Spring, the Fairgrounds be- comes a small city that offers many of the ser- vices that Home- less Veterans need. They can see doctors, den- tists, veterinari- ans, barbers, and other providers while getting hot
Veterans Stand Down Clothing Bldg. 2013 Clothing disbursement
meals and socializing with other Veterans. A volunteer Judge with representatives from both the
State Attorney and Public Defenders Offices hold court in a non-threatening, in fact supportive environment whose purpose is to free the Veteran from criminal justice system. Many cases are favorably resolved in this manner. Representatives from the Driver’s License and Voters
Registration Offices as well as other government services are in place to assist with licenses, ID cards, voter regis- tration.
22 Veterans Stand Down setup 2013 Tent city. Just like when the vets were in the military. FAIRCRACKER-FALL 2018 Vouchers are issued
to those in need of clothing. A photographer is
available on site to take head shots that Veterans can use for employment applica- tions. Career counseling
as well as mentoring is also done. I’m sure I am leav-
ing out some of the many services offered during this weekend. So, why am I telling you about this great event? It is not
Veterans Stand Down Judge Court tent 2013
Photo of the “courtroom” used to handle cases.
just to toot our horn as a major sponsor, no doubt most, if not all, fairgrounds do charitable or public service events. But what we’re known for is that we are a fair along with mental images that the word conjures up. Wouldn’t it be great if we were to become well known for our support of Homeless Veterans and/or other social outreach activi- ties? How much easier would our lobbying efforts be if
“support for Homeless Veterans” was the first thought that came to peoples mind instead of rides and food. When people ask about your fair, tell them that rides, and food are only part of the story, include stories about the good things you do for your community, especially for Homeless Veterans.
Veterans Stand Down National tents setup 2013
Photo of the tents used for housing veterans for the Stand Down weekend. Vets must stay for the entire weekend and were not allowed to come and go at their pleasure. If they left they could not return until the next year.
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