We do not often highlight specific projects on this blog, but with the anniversary of 9/11 approaching, it seemed fitting to recognize two development projects in the area that will support our veterans.
But first a little background: Given the recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Grants Pass v. Johnson, allowing the enforcement of laws regulating camping on public property, many advocates have renewed their calls on leaders to invest in services, shelters, and permanent housing to combat homelessness. Nationwide, homelessness has grown 13% between 2020 and 2023, and many cities are struggling to meet the needs of this growing population. One major concern of advocate groups is the number of veterans who are included in this demographic. According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are over 33,000 veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States. Locally, data provided by the 2022 Lebanon VA Medical Catchment indicates that over 300 veterans in the capital region need housing. In response to this need, two communities for veterans have taken root in Harrisburg.
Veteran’s Grove, which recently opened on the site that once housed the Phoenix Steel Corporation Mill, was the result of Facebook scrolling. This project was funded by the $4.1 million raised by the Veterans Outreach of Central Pennsylvania, an advocacy group established in 2019 after its co-founders connected over a video on Facebook sharing the benefits of a homeless veterans’ community in Racine, Wisconsin. The result is this new community comprised of 15 tiny homes and a 6,500 square foot community center that receives referrals for residents through the YMCA, the Bethesda Mission, and Our Daily Breach. Its popularity is apparent as it is currently operating on a waiting list.
Veteran’s Grove involves community-based support to allow veterans to act as a unit and build bonds with one another through activities such as a flag raising each morning and dining as a community for each meal. The community center also features areas for the veterans to gather with one another or to visit with their families. The 15 tiny homes constructed in a circle around the community’s center are intended to act as transitional housing for those veterans who are experiencing homelessness in the capital region. Each tiny home is a 210-square-foot, fully furnished home with a bedroom, full bathroom, and a kitchenette. In addition to serving its residents, the community also strives to serve all veterans in the capital region through its programming.
Veterans in the community can benefit from services offered for health and wellness as well as employment and educational services, including a free laptop for each resident and programs on financial and technological literacy. The community center will serve as a space for residents to receive the services being offered, many of which are provided by local partners including UPMC, the Veteran’s Administration, the YMCA, and the Penn State Extension.
Just down the road from Veteran’s Grove, the Tunnel to Tower Veteran’s Village has been proposed to offer both transitional and permanent housing to veteran residents. Because of its proximity and the opportunity of permanent housing, these programs have the opportunity of working in tandem so that the temporary residents of Veteran’s Grove could find permanent residency in the Veteran’s Village once both programs have been established. Veteran’s Village has been proposed by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit organization seeking to end veteran homelessness. This foundation has provided housing assistance and access to services to over 3,300 veterans in 2023 through programs similar to the proposed Veteran’s Village.
This project would be comprised of a three-story mixed-use building and 20 single-family homes located along South Front Street. The 20 single-family homes are deemed “comfort homes” and are reserved for veterans who are 55 and over. Each of these “comfort homes” will be approximately 500 square feet and will feature a living room, central kitchen, full bathroom, and private bedroom. The three-story mixed-use building would include six studio apartments each with a kitchenette, full bathroom, and access to laundry facilities and communal spaces on each floor. The main floor of this building will be available for the residents to gather with one another and to receive the support services being provided. Similar to Veteran’s Grove, the Veteran’s Village plans to offer services such as job training, legal services, benefits assistance, education services, and mental health support and counseling for veterans, in addition to providing transportation to assist its residents in finding employment opportunities and visiting nearby Veteran’s Administration offices.
We wish the developers and owners of Veteran’s Grove and Veteran’s Village success, and thank the residents for their service to our country.