Partner Spotlight: Veterans Place

Posted on by Shadyside Presbyterian Church
Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard

Shadyside Presbyterian Church’s Mission and Urban Ministry partners with Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard in support of its mission to:

  • end the cycle of veteran homelessness, and
  • honor the dignity and humanity of at-risk veterans.

Allegheny County has the largest veteran population in Pennsylvania, which has the fourth largest veteran population in the nation. Veterans Place draws from the 150,000 veterans in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area to provide transitional housing, address health issues, and provide employment training. Veterans Place is dedicated to serving post-9/11 veterans to support and assist in obtaining competitive employment.

Veterans Place operates the largest transitional housing program for veterans in the region. Participants receive financial training, recovery support, and case management. The Veterans Resource Center is one of only fifteen of its kind in the country and the only drop-in service center for veterans in the Western Pennsylvania region. The Veterans Resource Center services veterans facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, providing them with essential resources such as transportation, food, clothing, laundry facilities, shower facilities, financial assistance, and individualized case management. Veterans Place offers a program specific to female veterans. Through the Female Veteran Program, veterans are assisted with navigating their unique and challenging barriers. Veterans Place offers financial assistance to female veterans in need facing homelessness due to domestic violence, mental/physical health barriers, or financial strain.

Two great successes in 2020 during COVID:

  • 80% of veterans served through the Transitional Housing Program moved into permanent housing and had a sustainable income at the time of discharge from the program.
  • 96% of participants achieved sustainable employment through Veterans Place Employment Services.

Veterans Place is collaborating with the City of Pittsburgh to expand and improve its campus, developing adjacent lands for the enhancement of its programming. Currently, Veterans Place is seeking a Director of Development.

If Veterans Place fits your philanthropic priorities, please reach out to Elder Laura Duncan, Chair of Mission and Urban Ministry, through the church office.

During the month of November, Shadyside Presbyterian Church coordinates a warmth drive for Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard. Please read more in order to participate.