LAURINBURG — Veteran homelessness continues to be a persistent problem in North Carolina and across the country.

To give down-on-their-luck veterans a leg up, Scotland County will host a Veterans Stand-Down event facilitating veterans services in Richmond, Hoke and Scotland counties on Thursday, Nov. 12 at the National Guard Armory, 1520 S. Main St., Laurinburg.

The stand-down will provide needy veterans with medical attention and information regarding state and federal programs designed to help them get back on their feet.

A “stand-down” in the military is a time for servicemen and women to recoup, relax and get medical attention. Government-sponsored stand-downs are designed to do the same thing for homeless and struggling veterans all across the country.

The Scotland County Stand Down will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a career fair from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the armory.

Services that will be available include foot care, immunizations and eye exams, IRS information, hair cuts, a soup kitchen, mental and medical health referrals, Social Security information, Job Link van services, laundry services and health education.

Services also available in association with Veterans Affairs will be assistance with enrollment in the VA’s SLC health care system, as well as information on the VA homeless program, mental health services, substance abuse services, vocational rehab, VA benefits, assistance for female veterans and the veterans’ legal clinic.

Registration locations are at the N.C. Works Career Center, 303 N. Main St., Laurinburg, 910-276-4260; the VA Outreach Program, 2300 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, 910-308-1183; or Scotland County Veterans Services, 507 W. Covington St., Laurinburg, 910-277-2597.

The Scotland County Stand Down offers local businesses an opportunity to advertise their services and products to military veterans and job seekers who attend this event as well as show their support for military veterans. Business participants are invited to join or donate items by becoming a sponsor of the event.

There’s no cost for businesses to participate, and the deadline to get involved is Friday, Nov. 6. For more information, contact Robert Johnson by email at [email protected] or by phone at 910-276-4260.

Organizers said the Scotland County Veterans’ Stand-Down is also in need of volunteers. To sign up as a volunteer, contact Johnson, Vivian Little or Christina Harvey at 910-276-4260 with any questions.

Staff reports