Attendees received free services, haircuts, dental exams, counseling and a holiday meal
Nassau, NY - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency welcomed hundreds of veterans to the annual Winter Veterans Stand Down. The bi-annual event held is at the Freeport Armory where Veterans in need are provided with shoes, clothes, dental check-ups, blood pressure checks, haircuts, counseling and other services.
“After their selfless service to our country, we must make sure every veteran receives the programs and benefits they deserve. We are so grateful to our VSA employees and volunteers, and all of the organizations that participate in the Stand Down, and to everyone who daily donates time and resources to our veterans,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
Representatives from several Nassau County government agencies participated, including the departments of Social Services, Health, and Human Services, as well as The Salvation Army, the New York State Department of Labor, The Department of Veterans Affairs, New York State Division of Veterans Affairs and The Red Cross. Local providers assisted with shelter, case management, housing, medical and other necessary services to those in need.
The Mission of the Stand Down is to provide essential and critical services to our less fortunate veterans and help inform them of what services they are entitled to. The Stand Down allows veterans the opportunity to receive all services provided, free of charge. At no point during the stand down, is there any cost to the veteran in attendance.
The Veterans Stand Down is just one of the initiatives spearheaded by County Executive Curran designed to ensure that every veteran in Nassau County receives the services and benefits they deserve. Nassau County has many different services to help the estimated 45,000 to 50,000 Veterans living within the County. The county is prioritizing hiring Veterans, reaching out to Veterans first for hiring in the Department of Assessment as well as holding Veteran job fairs. There are many health benefits that the Veterans Service Agency helps residents apply for. In fact, through October, the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency helped Veterans obtain $7,183,561 in benefits.
In April 2019, County Executive Curran signed into law the “Dignity for our Heroes” legislation introduced by Legislator Josh Lafazan, on ending Veteran homelessness in Nassau County. As a result of this, the Nassau Commission on Ending Veteran Homelessness is currently working on a comprehensive report to assist the homeless or housing insecure Veterans in the County. The county began providing food to Veterans through Vet Mart in 2015, providing food to 3,840 individuals and serving 7,681 families through October 2019.
The Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency has recently added a specialized monthly Veterans traffic court hearing session, which designates special assistance to Veterans in resolving violations or Notices of Liability. The county also issues special Veterans’ cards, giving discounts at certain stores by providing your discharge information to get a card valid for select stores.
If you are a Veteran, or if a loved one is a Veteran, check in with Veterans Service Agency at 516-572-6565 to find out more information on Nassau’s services and programs for Veterans.