Project Love Coalition (PLC) acquired two small properties that have been dedicated to provide housing for homeless veterans as part of PLC's American Veterans Homeless Housing Program (AM-VETS). Using the "Housing First" model, PLC will provide permanent affordable housing options to homeless veterans which includes supportive services to help veterans in need.
Volunteers Needed:
Volunteers are needed to help build these properties into spaces for homeless veterans i.e. plans, drawings, demolition, clean up, concrete foundation, framing (light gauge steel), electrical system, plumbing system, mechanical system, sewage system, solar system, HVAC (heat pump/mini split system) drywall, painting, carpentry, cabinetry, lumber, furniture/fixtures, elevator, stairs, doors, windows, art installation.
Purpose:
Demolish existing property structures. Construct two new mixed-use smart buildings. Primary building materials will be light gauge steel and lumber. Each building will consist of first floor flex/office space, second floor a one bedroom apartment unit, third floor a one bedroom apartment unit, and a green roof consisting of an Urban Solar Rooftop Bio-shelter -- the bioshelter will serve as a biophilic garden with hydroponic gardening for the tenants with both indoor and outdoor areas that will serve as “common room” for the tenants that they can use year-round.
PLC's smart building vision is to create a sustainable green environment that converges various building-wide systems to be integrative and interactive--such as HVAC, lighting, alarms, and security—into a single IT managed network infrastructure.
Goal:
The main goal is to stabilize homeless veterans who are now in need of help and to provide them with a wide range of support services that include: Housing, Drug and Alcohol Support, new Work Force Training, Agricultural Opportunities, in a safe veteran-friendly, pet-friendly environment.
Veterans seeking to stay will apply through the Veteran's Affairs comprehensive homeless program located at the VA Medical Center. The facility will be handicap accessible. Bus stops located near by for easy transportationaccess. Three meals a day to be provided by Project Love Coalition. Gardening for therapeutic healing provided as an option.
Location:
Property site is located in the historic Hill District neighborhood in the City of Pittsburgh near the Peace and Friendship Urban Farm. PLC's project will enhance the quality of life in the low income Hill District neighborhood, create equitable opportunities, contribute to area revitalization, and respect the deeply rooted African American culture that has contributed to the Hill District identity.
Management:
AM-VETS Homeless Housing Program site is to be managed by the Project Love Coalition, Inc. and Soldier On, Inc. to provide case management support. Healthcare for homeless veterans will provide services on a case by case basis. Property owned by Project Love Coalition doing business as PLC.
