Homeless Veteran Services

The Perimeter
Opened in the spring of 2000 to provide a full spectrum of services to homeless Veterans. The premise of the Perimeter is to define a boundary of defense for our Veterans, separating the safe from the unsafe. Located in Center City Philadelphia, over 17,000 homeless Veteran client visits are recorded annually.

Beginning with outreach, on the streets and in the shelter system of Philadelphia, The Perimeter provides van transportation to and from various designated locations on a daily basis to bring the Veterans to our facility.

When Veterans arrive, immediate needs are met including a hot breakfast and lunch, showers (accommodating both men and women), personal hygiene items, haircuts, laundry facilities, and clothing. After immediate needs are addressed, an assessment and needs analysis resulting in the setting of practical goals and preparation of a realistic plan for action through case management is provided to afford them the greatest possible personal advancement, independence and self-determination. Also available is an individual evaluation of the Veteran's residential needs with assistance in accessing an appropriate residential placement.

A Veteran Outreach Specialist from the VA Regional Office is available at The Perimeter on a weekly basis to offer information on Veteran benefits and assist the Veteran with the filing of claims and up-grades. Legal assistance is accessible on site through our collaboration with the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP). There are currently over 100 active cases that HAP and their pro bono partners are involved with at this time.

Daily educational presentation/discussions are provided. Presentations are given related to daily living, relationships, personal care, substance abuse, PTSD, and financial planning. Job development and placement with the on-site presence of a PA CareerLink DVOP (Disabled Veterans Outreach Program) is available for Veterans as well.

Since opening in 2000, the Perimeter has assisted with the placement of over 800 Veterans in substance abuse residential programs; 462 domiciliary programs; 691 in transitional residences; 439 in independent housing; and 52 in personal care/nursing homes. Last fiscal year the Perimeter provided over 30,000 meals to homeless Veterans.

Linked to the Perimeter are PVMSEC's transitional residencies, LZ II and The Mary E. Walker House, located on the grounds of the Coatesville VA Medical Center in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

Call 215-923-2600 for more information!

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