Serving Those Who Served
“One of our first observations: our participants are tired. Many have gone months, or even years, without a good night’s sleep. Rarely, if ever, did they feel a sense of safety during their dark days without a home. Haunted by strange noises in the night, battling extreme temperatures and past trauma, and often hunger, life was a series of challenges—but here, in the tiny homes, that sense of safety has returned for the first time in a long time.”
This excerpt from Veterans Outreach of PA’s 2024 Fall Newsletter captures their care for and commitment to those who served. Today, they continue their critical work to improve the lives of a population that deserves the utmost respect and support, “restoring trust and creating opportunity, one Veteran at a time.”
Formed in 2019, Veteran’s Outreach of PA (VOPA) began fundraising for Veterans Grove (a heart-shaped village of tiny homes and a community center) in 2021. It officially opened in June 2024 and overlooks the Susquehanna River. The 15 homes provide veterans residing at Veterans Grove with security and easy access to a multitude of other support systems. VOPA continues to serve veterans who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness throughout central PA.
Last year, VOPA housed 24 resident veterans and provided services to an additional 109 local veterans. These therapeutic programs include equine therapy, art and music therapies, and a book club, which all help promote emotional growth and well-being.
Engagement across these programs is significant (with over 93% of residents joining the book club), and most residents participate in multiple activities. Both residents and non-residents also receive additional support through two Veteran Stand Downs, the Pennsylvania Department of Military & Veteran Affairs (PA DMVA), the Pennsylvania National Guard Association (PNGAS), and the Veterans Convention in King of Prussia.
Each 210-square-foot home has a bed, a bathroom, a seating area with a desk, and a small kitchenette. Other important appliances, like a washer and dryer, a full-size kitchen, and communal spaces, are available in the community center.
All of this is making a measurable difference. Participants experienced an average 30% reduction in PTSD and anxiety symptoms based on clinical assessments and self-reported surveys. "Prior to coming to Veterans Grove, I felt lost. Being around veteran brothers has helped me find myself again. I have a purpose again."
In total, 85% of resident veterans complete the vast majority of their scheduled therapy sessions, and 50% of residents find stable employment and/or find permanent housing within 12 months. Since April 2025, the average occupancy increased to 13 residents (85.9%), with the tiny homes reaching full capacity during August and September 2025.
"VOPA is helping me get back on track. It is allowing me to be able to focus on my needs, such as my physical health, mental health, and personal issues."
Veterans Grove
Funding Life Change
The CommunityAid Foundation was excited to financially support the construction and utilization of Veterans Grove through three grants.
In 2023, we funded the campus-wide integrated security system, which continues to keep staff and guests safe as well as meet the regulatory requirements of the village. This $18,750 grant is making a tremendous difference by providing peace of mind for veterans.
We also provided a $15,000 grant to purchase a much-needed commercial deep freezer for the community room. This allows them to safely process incoming donations that could pose an infestation problem, including soft goods like bedding, clothing, and pillows. Used donations, potentially contaminated apparel, and other materials that could pose a risk are stored in the freezer for several days to ensure they are safe for use.
In 2024, we provided a $10,000 grant to help sustain VOPA’s programs by helping offset the clinical team’s salaries. This ensured the continuity of trauma-informed care and other services. These funds supported significant progress toward mental health outcomes and overall wellness for those staying at and receiving programmatic support at Veteran’s Grove.
Our Support
Additionally, VOPA staff attended many of our LIFTS Workshops. These seminars provide best practices and insights and are led by industry leaders across the nonprofit sphere. So far, they’ve attended 10 workshops, including “Financial Accountability and Compliance,” “Legal & Ethical Issues Management,” and “Maximizing Impact.”
Together, we’ve made rest possible for veterans in need. We’re so grateful to be able to meaningfully come alongside Veterans Outreach of PA and those they serve.
Would you like to learn more about VOPA? Check out their website at https://www.veteransoutreachofpa.org/. You can learn more about the other great organizations we support here.