Question 1

Do the Veterans own the homes?

Accepted Answer

The Veterans do not own the homes, nor do they pay rent to live there. Instead, the homes are designed to be a temporary sanctuary until Veterans are ready to return to independence. The tiny homes provide stability, and a starting point for Veterans to address the underlying causes of homelessness.

Question 2

How long will a Veteran be permitted to reside at Veterans Grove?

Accepted Answer

Veterans are welcome to stay at Veterans Grove as long as they continue to make progress toward their goal of readiness for permanent housing.  A VOPA Case Manager will work alongside the Veteran, at each his or her own pace, to develop a plan to help them find permanent housing and attain goals they have identified.

Question 3

How big are the homes, and what do they include?

Accepted Answer

VOPA’s innovative community consists of 15 ADA compliant tiny homes. The homes are wood-framed construction built on a concrete slab. They are 210 square feet, with a bed, bath, and small sitting/desk area for relaxation. There is also a snack area that includes an under the counter refrigerator to store perishables, a microwave and coffee pot.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Community Center?

Accepted Answer

A separate 6,500 sq. ft. Community Center anchors the village with a large kitchen, a dining room where the Veteran participants will be served daily meals in a group setting, laundry facilities, counseling and therapeutic rooms, and administrative offices.

Question 5

How will you choose the Veterans who will live in the tiny homes?

Accepted Answer

An application process ensures Veterans are assessed based on their needs, and prioritized based on those who are most vulnerable.  Veterans will be referred through many avenues, to include friends, family, organizations, and self-referrals.  To build trusting relationships, we will conduct frequent street outreach to identify Veterans who are currently street homeless.

Question 6

What social services are provided to the Veterans?

Accepted Answer

Veterans receive case management through VOPA at least once a week, and possibly more, depending on need.  In order to connect the community to the Veteran and the Veteran to the community, we are partnering with local businesses, agencies, nonprofits, and individuals to provide the wraparound support needed to address the needs of each individual. This network of support keeps the Veteran from relying solely on VOPA while showing them that they are capable of self-sufficiency, and  the community cares about their well-being.

Question 7

What organizations are collaborating with you?

Accepted Answer

We have met with and received support from Businesses and Corporations, Healthcare Facilities, Community Groups, Educational Institutions, Professional Associations, Foundations and Grantmakers, Community Leaders and other non-profit Organizations

Question 8

How is VOPA funded?

Accepted Answer

VOPA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that is registered with the PA Department of State. Now that Veterans Grove is fully operational, VOPA continues to rely on community fundraising, which includes grants, private donations, corporate giving, NAP participation and fundraising revenue.

Question 9

How is Veterans Grove staffed?

Accepted Answer

VOPA has staff on site 24/7.

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