Veterans Place to Host Veterans Day Celebration and Welcome Youngstown Blue Coats for Free Winter Gear Distribution
Veterans Place to honor veterans with an on-campus celebration on November 11 and host a free winter gear distribution open to all veterans on November 19.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – November 5, 2026- Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard will host two events this November to honor local military veterans and help those in need prepare for the colder months ahead.
Veterans Place will hold its annual Veterans Day celebration on Wednesday, November 11. Later in the month, on Thursday, November 19, the organization will welcome the Youngstown Blue Coats, a nonprofit dedicated to providing winter clothing and essential supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness, with a special focus on veterans.
Both events will take place at Veterans Place, 945 Washington Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. The Youngstown Blue Coats winter gear distribution will be free and open to all veterans in the Pittsburgh community.
Veterans Day Celebration — Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Place will hold its annual Veterans Day celebration on Wednesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Resource Center, 945 Washington Blvd.
The event will feature food catered by Smoke Burgh, ice cream from Cookies Creamery, a caricature artist, donated items, and opportunities for veterans to connect with fellow service members and community supporters.
“Veterans Day allows us to recognize the individuals who have served our country while bringing veterans together in a supportive environment,” said Zeljana Turuntas, community relations coordinator at Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard. “Our goal is to make this a meaningful occasion where veterans feel welcomed, appreciated, and connected to their community.”
This event is for veterans served by Veterans Place and is not open to the public.
Youngstown Blue Coats Free Winter Gear Distribution — Thursday, November 19
On Thursday, November 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Youngstown Blue Coats will visit Veterans Place to distribute free winter clothing and cold-weather essentials to local veterans.
The Youngstown Blue Coats is a nonprofit organization committed to helping individuals experiencing homelessness and those in need stay warm during the winter months, with a special focus on supporting military veterans. Guided by the belief that no one in America should freeze to death, the organization works to bridge the gap between shelters and homeless encampments by providing essential winter supplies to individuals living outdoors.
Through their outreach efforts, volunteers distribute coats, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, boots, tents, tarps, and other cold-weather essentials, often traveling into wooded areas and homeless encampments to reach those most in need.
During their visit to Veterans Place, the Youngstown Blue Coats will distribute winter gear, including coats, jackets, hats, gloves, tents, sleeping bags, socks, boots, and pants, to veterans in the Pittsburgh community.
The distribution will take place in the parking lot at Veterans Place, 945 Washington Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. All veterans are welcome to attend, and no registration is required.
“Having access to warm clothing during the winter months can make a real difference, especially for veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability,” Turuntas said. “We are grateful to the Youngstown Blue Coats for bringing this opportunity to our campus and for the work they do to support veterans and others in need.”
Event Details
Veterans Day Celebration
- Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Location: Veterans Resource Center, 945 Washington Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- Admission: Not open to the public
- Activities: Food catered by Smoke Burgh, ice cream from Cookies Creamery, caricature artist, donated items, and more
Youngstown Blue Coats Winter Gear Distribution
- Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: Parking lot at Veterans Place, 945 Washington Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- Admission: Free and open to all veterans
- Available supplies: Coats, jackets, hats, gloves, tents, sleeping bags, socks, boots, and pants
- Registration: Not required
For questions about either event, veterans can contact Veterans Place at 412-363-0500, ext. 227, or visit www.veteransplaceusa.org.
Supporting Pittsburgh Veterans Year-Round
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard serves more than 1,100 veterans annually throughout Western Pennsylvania.
The organization provides transitional housing, workforce development, recovery support, mentorship, outreach, case management, and other wraparound services to help veterans overcome barriers, access essential resources, and work toward long-term stability and independence.
While the November events provide opportunities to recognize veterans and meet immediate needs, Veterans Place remains committed to supporting veterans and their families throughout the year.
- Veterans Place to Host Veterans Day Celebration and Welcome Youngstown Blue Coats for Free Winter Gear Distribution - November 5, 2026
- Veterans Place Calls for Deeper Military Appreciation Through Housing, Employment, and Long-Term Support - May 18, 2026
- Veterans Place Seeks Volunteer Mentors to Support Veterans in Pittsburgh - April 30, 2026
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS OR REFER A VETERAN TODAY
Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard provides programs and support services for veterans in Western Pennsylvania. Learn more about available resources or refer a veteran today to help connect them with the support they need.