There are 230,000 veterans that are living in southwestern Pennsylvania. 23,000 live below poverty level and 2,300 are at risk of being homeless, according to the 2012 U.S. Census. Each year, 5,800 veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan leave military service and return to western Pennsylvania to face a myriad of challenges not limited to homelessness, transitioning to life as a civilian or dealing with the challenge of explaining how their military experience translates to skills employers are interested in (Source: “h” magazine, Heinz Endowments 2013).

Project Love Coalition aims to provide permanent affordable housing options to homeless veterans and their families. Additionally, PLC seeks to provide a welcoming space which honors and provides support services to those who have served our country.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Green S.E.N.S.E. Housing Collaborative

Project Love Coalition addressed this challenge by taking the lead to initiate Green S.E.N.S.E. which aims to build a collaborative to develop sustainable, healthy, permanent, affordable housing to veterans in the Hill District and Homewood. One primary goal of Green S.E.N.S.E. is to uplift veterans out of the streets and put them in safe conditions. The vision of the Green S.E.N.S.E. is to support veterans in the Hill District and Homewood by ensuring safe and appropriate housing for them and their families; teaching new, marketable job skills that capitalize on their creativity; and connecting them with one another and with the broader community. Click here for more details and partners.

PLC is currently seeking people to help in this sustainable housing development effort, including access to land, equipment, and capital.