Veterans Place History

A Legacy of Service, Support, and Community Impact

Since our founding, Veterans Place has remained committed to the promise of making veterans’ lives better. Our story is one of service, growth, and community collaboration that is shaped by the needs of the veterans we serve and the partners who help make our work possible.

Today, we continue our mission by connecting veterans with the tools, resources, and support they need to build more stable, self-sufficient lives. Through strong community partnerships and a shared commitment to those who served, Veterans Place continues to grow its impact and help veterans move forward.

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1996

Sidney Singer, a member of the Jewish War Veterans, Post 718, to provide a safe haven where military veterans could continue their recovery from chronic mental illness, established veterans Place of Washington Boulevard in 1996.

1998

Jewish War Veterans Post 718 purchased a parcel of blighted property with run-down row houses on Washington Boulevard. Over the next ten years, Sidney Singer fought tirelessly to raise over $2.5 million in government and foundation grants to transform the site into an administration/service building and 13 townhouses that can accommodate up to 48 veterans.

2008

Initial townhouse renovations were completed and Veterans Place started our Transitional Housing Program, becoming the only single-room occupancy, transitional housing center for homeless veterans in the region.

2009

Veterans Place was overseen by a management company in cooperation with the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System until the hiring of its first executive director in 2009.

2017

In 2017 and again in 2020, Veterans Place received a three-year Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) grant from the Department of Labor, specifically designed to add evidence-based employment tactics that will help assist homeless and unemployed veterans.

2018

Veterans Place began construction on the Veterans Resource Center to provide a welcoming and safe environment to our veterans.

2019

Veterans Resource Center renovations were completed. With support from Walmart, Kozi Media Design, and many others, Veterans Place Veterans Resource Center incorporated a smart classroom, food pantry, computer lab, laundry, and shower facilities for veterans that seek assistance.

2020

Several blighted buildings were demolished to make room for current services offered at Veterans Place.

2022

Veterans Place completed infrastructure upgrades to the existing 13 townhouses where veterans live while receiving assistance to obtain stable employment and a permanent home. Upgrades included new roofs, windows, doors, and flooring as well as refurbishing each basement foundation. Veterans Place also hired its first female Executive Director in September.

2024

In 2024, Veterans Place proudly opened two transformative facilities: the Multi-Purpose Center, providing housing, healthcare, and wellness services for homeless veterans, and the Duquesne Light Workforce Development Center, which offers job training and employment support to help veterans achieve long-term stability.

2025

Veterans Place launched a Recovery Support Program, funded by a DDAP grant, to expand services and resources for veterans facing substance use challenges. We also introduced a Veteran-to-Veteran Mentorship Program, pairing volunteer mentors with veterans for guidance and peer support. Additionally, our new Wellness Center opened in the Multi-Purpose Center, providing veterans with a dedicated space for health and well-being.