1st VetFest Will Help Homeless Veterans

To mark Armed Forces Day on Friday the Sepulveda Veterans Affairs Medical Center will host VetFest, a one-day event designed to help homeless veterans get off the streets.

The goal of the event is to connect veterans with services available at the VA and through various public and private agencies, said Stacy Studebaker, a social services intern at the VA and one of the event organizers.

The VA will provide free health screenings as well as showers, clothing and food. Representatives from the service agencies will offer assistance with housing, employment, chemical dependency, mental health and even getting official identification.

VetFest organizers have placed a special emphasis on providing homeless veterans with a variety of different job opportunities, Studebaker said.

“This is the first time that we have put on an event like this at the Sepulveda VA,” said Studebaker.

“If we can’t help these veterans directly we can refer them to one of the different organizations that will be there.”

Veterans living in transitional housing or surviving from check to check are also welcome to attend VetFest, Studebaker said.

“It’s important, especially on Armed Forces Day, that we don’t forget these veterans,” said Studebaker. “Many of them put their lives on the line for the rest of us.”

VetFest will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sepulveda VA, 16111 Plummer St., in North Hills.

For more information, or to inquire about free transportation, call the medical center at (818) 891-7711.