The 14th annual Ventura County Stand Down will take place Fri. through Sun., July 28, 29 and 30 at the California Army National Guard Armory in Ventura.

According to event organizers, the goal of the event is to assist veterans in breaking out of the cycle of homelessness. Veterans in the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles will participate in this year's event.

Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the veterans who are homeless "combat" life on the streets.

During the three-day effort, veterans will live on campus in military-style tents constructed by the Seabees and will have access to shower facilities, new and clean clothing, and meals each day. Working in conjunction with dozens of public and private agencies, Stand Down will provide homeless veterans with a myriad of services such as medical treatment, legal services, employment counseling and referrals, veterans' benefits, drug and alcohol counseling, general relief information and transitional housing information along with a range of other government and social services.

In addition, a Superior Court will be held on Fri., July 28, where veterans will be given an opportunity to adjudicate their pending legal cases before a volunteer judge who, in lieu of fine or jail time, will order veterans to participate in community service at Stand Down.