About Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania (VCOP)
a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and their families with respect, dignity, and care. Through food, clothing, housing support, transportation, and community outreach, we work to ensure no veteran is left behind.
Our Beginnings
- 2007: A group of individuals from different organizations came together to support homeless and at-risk veterans.
- Their mission: provide basic human necessities like food, clothing, hygiene products, and hot meals.
- This effort gave rise to the first Stand Down event.
Growth of the Stand Down
- Over the next five years, the Stand Down expanded in size and impact.
- Volunteers increased and partnerships formed with organizations offering a wide variety of veteran services.
Becoming an Organization
- By 2013, discussions began about forming a more formal structure.
- 2015: Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania (VCOP) officially became a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with articles of incorporation.
Expanding Services
- The Stand Down continued to grow and found monthly homes in both Reading and Pottstown.
- A dedicated crew supported Pottstown operations, while Reading remained a strong hub.
- VCOP quickly gained recognition as a reliable resource for veterans and their families facing major challenges.
Transportation Mission
- August 2022: Thanks to a donation from the IM ABLE Foundation, VCOP received a 2014 Mobility Vehicle One (MV-1).
- This marked the start of VCOP’s transportation mission—providing rides for medical appointments (both civilian and VA).
- The program grew to include:
- Two additional handicap vans
- Two part-time drivers
- An average of 1,000 miles traveled each week helping veterans and their families.
- VCOP is one of the few services that provides transportation for
outpatient surgeries and procedures, making it an essential and in-demand resource.
Growth of the Stand Down
- Over the next five years, the Stand Down expanded in size and impact.
- Volunteers increased and partnerships formed with organizations offering a wide variety of veteran services.
Our Partners
