Harrisburg, Pa. (WHTM) – Over 33,000 veterans across the United States are facing homelessness, according to the Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania.

The non-profit organization works to help veterans across the state, no matter their age, background, or how long they served.

The outreach reports that in Pennsylvania, almost 800 veterans remain unhoused. In Dauphin County, that number is around 4,0 according to the non-profit.

The Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania finished its ‘Tiny Home Village’ project back in May of 2024. It is a village made up of 15 tiny homes for homeless veterans while they get back on their feet.

“We deal with a population of veterans that are experiencing homelessness or on the brink of it, or one thing could happen, but each story is unique in that sense. You know, there’s some veterans here who are not getting any service connection through the VA. They’re not receiving any financial benefits from that,” said Jordan Purcell, Executive Director of Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania.

Purcell served in the military for 23 years. He said he has seen how remarkable it is to give veterans who are struggling a helping hand.

“I recently just got out of the military myself, who was to say that Jordan Purcell couldn’t have been someone at risk?” he said. “We sometimes have a stigma with homelessness…just one thing can go wrong, and next thing you know, you need a hand up, not a handout. That’s one thing I love about this organization as well. We are we empower people! We’re not a place that people just come here to just stay and not better themselves.”

Purcell adds that so many veterans looking for housing help transition out of the service with master’s degrees, high-ranking level positions, and are very intelligent. He said every veteran’s story, while unique, is also similar. He said they all wore the uniform and all really strive for a common goal.

“It’s just being a better person. And that’s, I think that’s what every veteran wants. That’s what every veteran strives for, is to have that discipline, to have the means to be a better person,” said Purcell.

The outreach said the best way to help is to spread awareness, volunteer, or donate. You can do that by visiting their website.

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