Unhoused veterans throughout southeastern Pennsylvania are receiving meaningful support thanks to the Coatesville VA Medical Center, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News.

An estimated 37,000 veterans experience homelessness throughout the United States. With systems like the Coatesville VA, unhoused veterans throughout Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties can find emergency and long-term housing alongside effective medical care.

The Coatesville team includes four social workers and an entry specialist who seek out unhoused veterans living in homeless encampments to connect them with emergency housing. Through Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH), a collaboration between the VA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the VA team then helps these veterans find long term housing thanks to over fifty community partners.

According to Coatesville VA entry specialist Brad Steese, turnaround for emergency housing typically takes place within the same day. For their long-term housing, veterans can choose their new location based on work opportunities, public transit, or family, and housing is paid for with a HUD-VASH voucher.

Many unhoused veterans also struggle with substance use, trauma, and other mental health challenges. Organizations like the VA provide resources across all fronts.

Veteran Larry Woods experienced homelessness for two decades before connecting with the Coatesville VA earlier this year. After staying in Independence Hall, this week, Woods will move into a permanent, fully furnished home paid for with a HUD-VASH voucher.

Woods spoke about his gratitude towards the VA and his excitement for the future. Woods said, “The VA helps you get to wherever you need to go.”

Read more about the Coatesville VA Medical Center and the center’s support for local veterans in The Daily Local News.

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