Veterans Grove

BY Trevor Strunk

When members of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Chapter 1008 recently saw the need for therapeutic facilities for homeless veterans in Central Pennsylvania, they decided they would act. In conjunction with the VVA Pennsylvania State Council, the chapter donated funds to the Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, a non-profit that has built a village of 15 tiny houses surrounding a community center for veterans experiencing homelessness.

The land for the project was donated by well-known philanthropist and former Harrisburg City Council member Peggy Grove and her son Michael, who wanted to help veterans in need. In response to their generosity, the area now bears their name, Veterans Grove.

Photos courtesy Chuck Bechtel

The 20-acre facility sits on the east bank of the Susquehanna River just south of Harrisburg. Much of the site preparation was done by the 201st Red Horse Construction Squadron of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, along with civilian construction crews that worked quickly and finished in time for the first veterans to move in on June 10, 2024.

The staff at Veterans Grove works to create a safe and secure community for all the veterans who live there. A full-time staff of 11 provides support and services, including individual and group counseling sessions run by certified counselors. Classes are offered on practical matters such as money management, checkbook maintenance, and other life skills.

Photo courtesy Chuck Bechtel

“The program’s goal is to treat the veterans with respect, give them the tools and self-confidence they need to succeed in society,” said Charles “Chuck” Bechtel, who was among the Chapter 1008 members who were instrumental in Veterans Grove’s conception and success. “I witnessed first-hand the success of this full-time therapeutic model for veterans who find themselves homeless when I attended the ‘graduation’ of one of the residents who completed all phases of the program and signed a lease to move into his own apartment.”

By providing employment and transportation opportunities that encourage veterans to transcend long-standing challenges, VOPA encourages them to reenter society at their own pace. This model is based on performance and accountability, with strict alcohol- and drug-free rules, and is provided free of cost to Central Pennsylvania veterans who are looking for a new start.

Photo courtesy Chuck Bechtel

Veterans Grove “helps veterans re-enter society and their communities, and also produces a community of its own,” said Bechtel, a retired U.S. Army Colonel. “From working with the veterans, I have seen that they are now like an extended family. I had the privilege of leading a one-hour session for them that was tremendously gratifying. My regular weekly schedule will include time to hang out with the vets. I’m very proud to be part of this great effort to help homeless veterans.”

While Veterans Grove provides services free to veterans, the project requires a sizeable annual investment of about $1.1 million.

Photo courtesy Chuck Bechtel

VOPA encourages anyone who sees value in these life-changing services to go to www.veteransoutreachofpa.org to find out more about the program and consider a tax-deductible contribution.

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