All veterans — in particular those in need, those without stable living situations and immediate dependent family members — are encouraged to attend the Veterans Stand Down and Resource Fair this week.

The nonprofit Voices For Veterans hosts the event packed with services as well as local, state, and national resources, set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Clallam County Fairgrounds, 1608 W. 16th St., Port Angeles.

Services offered include: Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare enrollment; VA benefits counseling; VA healthcare checkups and vaccinations; dental referrals; housing assistance; legal guidance; free clothing, bedding, hygiene and food for dogs; kits and outdoor equipment; haircuts; eyeglasses courtesy of local Lions clubs; electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards via the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ mobile unit; and more.

New offerings this year include more services for women veterans as well as hot breakfasts/hot lunches.

Free transporation to and from the event is offered through Clallam and Jefferson Transit buses.

Levi Douglas, Veterans Program Coordinator at the Northwest Veterans Resource Center, said a key service that veterans should have is connection with a veterans service officer so they can find out if they can apply for VA disability compensation or sign up for VA healthcare, if eligible.

“It can help immensely with getting additional benefits or counseling,” Douglas said.

Voices For Veterans, a profit volunteer organization serving the Olympic Peninsula in Clallam and Jefferson counties, hosts three Stand Down events each year: at the Forks Elks Lodge in May, the Port Townsend Elks Lodge in July and Port Angeles’ fairgrounds in October.

Steve Henrikson, Voices for Veterans Treasurer and VFW Post 4760 Adjutant/Quartermaster, said Port Angeles is generally the largest, with about 179 veterans and 30 service providers at the 2023 PA event.

About 80 veterans attend the Forks and Port Townsend Stand Downs each year, Douglas said.