Homeless Standdown Event Coming in November 2025

Panhandle Warrior Partnership (PWP) is excited to host the next Homeless Standdown in the Fort Walton Beach area in early November, sponsored by Step One Automotive Group.  

“The homeless standdown is primarily to help the homeless veteran population of Okaloosa and Walton counties. It’s our plan and goal to take care of everyone who comes through the door,” says Cheree Tham, Co-Founder & Chief of Programs and Initiatives for America’s Warrior Partnership, the parent organization of PWP. 

PWP is seeking vendors, sponsors, and volunteers for this year's standdown, which will not only serve homeless veterans, but also help local organizations build connections on a local and national level. 

This year's Homeless Standdown will be a 1-day event during which VA staff and volunteers will provide food, clothing, and health screenings to homeless and at-risk veterans. In addition, veterans will also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling, and other essential services. 

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The Okaloosa County Standdown for homeless and at-risk veterans has a history rooted in the efforts of retired Judge Patt Maney, who spearheaded the first community-based stand down in Florida in 2007. The event, held annually over the years, has evolved to address the needs of both veterans and the broader community, with a "Day of Impact" event supplementing the Stand Down. Panhandle Warrior Partnership takes pride in hosting this event this year. 

For more information regarding vendor, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities, please contact Rufus Neely, Case Coordinator of PWP, at RNeely@PanhandleWarriorPartnership.org.