Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania

Overview

Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA) is a nonprofit organization committed to combating homelessness among veterans by providing necessary support and services to promote empowered lives filled with strength and purpose.

Mission

The organization's mission is to restore trust and create opportunities for veterans, fostering a better quality of life through supportive environments and services.

Operations

Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, VOPA has established Veterans Grove, a community of care designed to address the unique needs of homeless veterans. This includes a village of 15 tiny homes surrounding a community center, which serves as a therapeutic space to build camaraderie, personal responsibility, and healing.

Features of Veterans Grove

• Tiny Homes: Each home provides veterans with privacy and essential amenities like a bed, bathroom with shower, desk, sink, and counter space with a refrigerator underneath.
• Community Center (UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Patriots Place): A 6,000 square foot facility offering a full continuum of care. It features a community room, dining hall, commercial kitchen, individual treatment rooms, meditation room, workshop, showers, and offices for on-site support staff.
• Services: Access to health, wellness, education, employment, and other supportive services are provided at the veteran's pace.

Governance and Partnerships

VOPA is governed by a board of directors that includes members from various organizations such as UPMC, Adare Asset Management, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, and more. The organization ensures diversity in its leadership and follows best practices in governance.

History

VOPA was granted tax-exempt status in February 2019 and has since been actively engaged in addressing veteran homelessness in Pennsylvania.

Impact

The organization contributes to the broader efforts to reduce homelessness among veterans, aligning with national initiatives to provide stable support networks for those who have served.

The specific EIN number for Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania is noted incorrectly in the request; the correct EIN is 83-2701544, not 832701544.