A Mission That Started Small

Back in 2007, a handful of us came together with a simple goal: to help homeless and at-risk veterans. We didn’t have a formal plan, just a shared belief that no veteran should go without a hot meal, clean clothes, or basic necessities. That first effort grew into something we now call Stand Down, and it became the heartbeat of everything we do.

From an Idea to a Coalition

Over the years, Stand Down grew bigger than we ever imagined. More volunteers showed up. More organizations stepped in to help. By 2015, it was clear we needed something stronger than just a loose network of good intentions. That’s when the Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania (VCOP) officially became a nonprofit.

How We Serve Today

What started with food and clothing has grown into much more. Today, VCOP is proud to serve veterans and their families through:

• Stand Down Services – A place where veterans can find meals, clothing, hygiene items, and connections to vital resources.
• Transportation Services – Safe, reliable rides to medical appointments, outpatient procedures, and VA visits—covering more than 1,000 miles each week.
• Community Support & Outreach – From clothing and food drives to partnerships with local groups, we’re building networks of care that last far beyond one event.

Why We Keep Going

Every veteran has a story. Some stories are filled with triumph, others with struggle—but all are deserving of respect and compassion. We believe in meeting veterans where they are and making sure they know they’re not alone.

How You Can Be Part of This Journey

We can’t do this without the people who believe in our mission. That’s you—our community. There are so many ways to get involved:

• Volunteer your time at an event
• Donate to keep our vans running and our programs growing
• Partner with us to extend our reach

Every bit of support helps us serve those who served.

Looking Ahead With Hope

We’ve come a long way since those first days in 2007, but there’s still much more to do. As we continue to grow, we remain guided by one promise: no veteran left behind.

We’re grateful you’re here with us, and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.