Although aimed at Butler County's struggling veterans, no one in need will be turned down at the fourth annual Stand Down event on Friday.

That's the word from organizer Allyson Rose, with Butler County Human Services, who has served on the Stand Down committee since the event's inception.

The 2019 Stand Down will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Tanglewood Center on Fairground Hill Road.

Support and services offered during the annual event include hair cuts, lunch, coats and boots and random giveaways such as can openers, blankets, flu shots and hygiene kits.

There is no charge for any service or items offered at Stand Down. Butler's event is one of hundreds held in cities throughout the country.

Rose said more than 40 vendors will be at the event, including services and resources from VA Butler Healthcare and Butler County Veteran Services, Community Care Connections, Catholic Charities, Robin's Home, the American Red Cross, Hero's Angels and other agencies will be on-hand to help veterans and community members struggling with homelessness and other issues.

Lunch offerings will include chicken, pizza, pasta salads and other fare to those who attend.

Five stylists will volunteer their time and skills in cutting hair and trimming or shaving beards, Rose said. She recalls one man having his long beard shaved completely off last year, giving him a “complete redo.”

According to Rose, the event has grown every year, with 200 people attending in 2018. Organizers hope to top that number this year.

Rose said Stand Down is meant to kick off Homeless Awareness Month, which was first declared in November 2007.

“It raises awareness about homelessness,” Rose said of Stand Down. “It also gives us the opportunity to identify people we might not be aware of and help connect individuals with resources and services in their community.”

She said some who attend need to be guided toward certain booths where they can learn about services, but not all.

“Usually, they go there with an idea of what kind of services they need and they seek that out,” Rose said. “They gain access to emergency services, so individuals who come in with an emergency situation, such as housing, can be identified.”

One person manning a booth at Stand Down on Friday is John Cyprian, director of Butler County Veterans Services. He said the event shows how pro-veteran the community is by all the support it garners and people coming together to help vets with their struggles.

He said he has talked to numerous local veterans who attended Stand Down, and received help with mental illness issues, homelessness and other dire situations.

“(Services offered at Stand Down) can make or break a veteran,” Cyprian said. “They are glad to live in a community that is willing to help veterans.”

Cyprian urges all veterans to come and say hello to him on Friday. He invites them to come by his booth with any questions relating to veterans' affairs.

Donated backpacks are still needed for the event. Rose said many of Butler's homeless carry all of their belongings in backpacks.

Donations can be dropped off until Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Housing and Redevelopment Authority at 114 Woody Drive in the Pullman Plaza complex.

The name Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Stand Downs in the military traditionally afford battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and sense of well-being.