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The Western Pennsylvania Continuum of Care (Western PA CoC) succeeded in its effort to help veterans transition out of homelessness in 20 counties.

According to Governor Tom Wolf, the U.S. Inter-agency Council on Homelessness, and the departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) confirmed the success of Western PA CoC.

The Western PA CoC effectively ended homeless in the counties of Armstrong, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Forest, Green, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland.

In a statement, Gov. Wolf said, “Western PA CoC, through its efforts, will continue to ensure veteran homelessness is a rare, brief, and one-time occurrence. It has been my goal since I took office to reduce veteran homelessness and we have made progress.”

“It is my hope that the example set by the Western PA CoC becomes a model and inspiration for the rest of the state so we can end veteran homelessness commonwealth-wide,” he added.

Western PA CoC tackled veteran homelessness with forward-thinking approach

Furthermore, Gov. Wolf said, “The forward-thinking efforts of the Western PA CoC have changed the way we address veteran homelessness, building the infrastructure needed to enact meaningful change, and investing in the services that literally save lives.

“Veterans are a population at risk for homelessness, and as they have protected us, it is incumbent upon us to protect them in turn.”

The Western PA CoC worked with different partners at the VA, HUD and other entities to identify homeless veterans and help them get back on their feet by providing stable housing and other support services.

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennin Davin commented, “It is critical that everyone has access to the resources and services they need to not simply survive, but thrive. We commend the Western PA CoC on its commitment to our veterans, for reaching this incredible milestone, and for ensuring that no veteran is homeless.”

On the other hand, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Eric Weller, the Deputy Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), noted that Pennsylvania has almost 800,000 veterans. He also praised Western PA CoC for its success in solving veteran homelessness in its 20-county region.

“Their success is a big step forward in the commonwealth’s goal to end veteran homelessness across all 67 counties. I commend them for their outstanding efforts and am grateful that our veterans are being provided with the programs and benefits they have earned through their service,” said Maj. Gen. Weller.