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When veterans come home and the "welcome back" is over, not everyone has a place to call home. According to the 2012 U.S. Census, more than 2,300 veterans are homeless or risk being homeless in the Pittsburgh area. But, the local nonprofit Project Journey wants to change that.
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“If you're coming to Pittsburgh, we have a place for you,” veteran Nadine Nowlin told Channel 11’s Katherine Amenta.
After leaving the Air Force, Nowlin was newly single, had a son, didn't have a home and got into a bad car accident.
“You feel like you're all alone,” said Nowlin.
Her path took her to Pittsburgh, where she met Trudy Friend, coordinator of Project Journey.
“It is a transition coming back into civilian life,” said Friend.
Project Journey is the brain child of the Pittsburgh nonprofit, Veterans Leadership Program. For the last two years, it has provided female vets free emergency temporary housing. It has also helped vets find jobs and permanent places they can afford on their own.
“If we can't find a service for that person, we will find it,” said Friend.
But, it's not always easy to find landlords and permanent housing that accept veteran benefits. Nathaniel Morneault is one landlord that stepped up to help Project Journey. He's from a military family and wanted to give back.
“I’m on speed dial with most of their counselors, so when they have a tenant that needs housed, I’m the first person they call,” said Morneault.
When buying properties, Morneault always considers location.
“How close they are to the VA hospital…the bus stop is literally right outside,” explained Morneault.
As for Nowlin, she's still looking for a job and a long-term home.
“It’s definitely time to transition out into my own permanent housing,” said Nowlin.
Project Journey currently operates seven temporary apartments for women, with a constant waiting list of four or five. It recently expanded its services to homeless male veterans with children.
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