Panama City Rallies for Homeless Veterans: Stand Down Event Returns Sept. 17

Stand Down for Homeless Veterans Returns to Panama City September 17

Connecting Bay County veterans with housing assistance, health services, benefits, employment resources and community support—all in one place.

Frank Gotaas

Sep 10, 2026

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Veterans experiencing homelessness or facing the possibility of losing stable housing will have an opportunity to connect with important resources during the 19th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Panama City.

The event will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County, located at 2230 E. 15th Street in Panama City. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs lists the event as a partnership involving the VA and the Bay County Veterans Council.

A Helping Hand for Veterans in Need

A Veterans Stand Down is designed to bring multiple services together in one convenient location so veterans do not have to navigate a complicated network of agencies on their own. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Stand Down events across the country commonly provide food, clothing, health screenings, benefits assistance and referrals for housing, employment, mental health care and other services.

Panama City has a long history of holding these events for local veterans. In previous years, the community's Homeless Veterans Stand Down has brought together dozens of agencies and organizations offering services such as breakfast and lunch, haircuts, medical and dental screenings, vision and mental health resources, housing assistance, VA benefits information, employment help, clothing, toiletries, food and other essential supplies.

The exact lineup of services available at the 2026 event may vary, but the goal remains the same: connecting veterans with the people and programs that can help them move toward greater stability and independence.

More Than a Resource Fair

The term “Stand Down” has its roots in the military. During the Vietnam War, troops were periodically moved away from combat areas to secure locations where they could receive meals, medical attention, clean clothing and a chance to rest and reconnect with fellow service members. Today's Stand Down events carry that same spirit of providing veterans with a safe place to regroup and receive assistance.

For Bay County, the event also demonstrates the role local agencies, veterans organizations and volunteers can play when they work together to support those who served.

Stand Down for Homeless Veterans Event Details

19th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand DownThursday, September 17, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County
2230 E. 15th Street Panama City, FL 32405

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs lists Karen Azzaro at (850) 532-9697 as the point of contact for additional event information.

For veterans experiencing homelessness, or those who may be just one setback away from it—the Stand Down can be an important first connection to housing, health care, employment assistance and other support. Bay County residents can also help by sharing information about the event so it reaches veterans who may need it most.

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