By Gianna Aguglia

Jessica Gilmore, Veterans Place Director of Program Operations and Development, described her nonprofit work and helping veterans transition from homelessness to home.

Gilmore said that she worked for Veterans Place from 2019-2021 and returned in June 2024. Previously, she had worked for other nonprofit organizations such as UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation and a national nonprofit organization called Feel Good Action.

She further explained that in 2019 a friend of hers who was working at Veterans Place offered her a job. After a few months, she realized she had found her passion and dedicated herself to learning about nonprofit operations and fundraising.

Now, Gilmore oversees the fiscal, operations, and development departments at Veterans Place. Her primary responsibilities include writing the grants for the organization and filling the programmatic and financial funding gaps to provide wrap-around services to all veterans in need.

Photo by Jessica Gilmore (pictured on the left)

Socks for Soldiers partnership with Veterans Place to collect new socks for homeless veterans.

Background

Q: What inspired you to work for a nonprofit organization?

A: “I fell into nonprofit work by accident after working in an adolescent drug and alcohol facility.

“After seeing the impact nonprofits create and the mission driven staff who are working towards a shared goal rather than more money, I knew I would never work for a for-profit organization again.”

Q: What made you choose Veterans Place?

A: “The first time I came to Veterans Place, I was searching for a career and organization to grow with.

“When I came back to Veterans Place in the middle of 2024, I felt drawn back to supporting our homeless and at-risk veterans. I know the mission, staff, and organization are authentic and was excited to rejoin to help a population who deserves the world!”

Assistance and Care

Q: What services do you provide to homeless veterans?

A: “Our Transitional Housing Program houses up to 60 veterans at a time for up to two years with on-site case management and supportive services.

“The Veterans Resource Center is when Veterans Place staff drive through the city to pick up unsheltered veterans daily to provide meals, showers, laundry, clothing, access to Wi-Fi and computers, case management and financial support.

“Also, the Workforce Development Program, funded by the Department of Labor, is a program that provides employment readiness, resume support, certifications, and direct job placement.

“The Recovery Support Program provides on-site groups, referrals, and supportive connections.

“Our Transportation Assistance helps veterans access medical care, benefits appointments, and community resources.”

Community

Q: How does the Pittsburgh community support Veterans Place’s mission?

A: “Our community is incredibly supportive of our mission. Our bus that picks veterans up is recognized by many and is often a beacon of hope as it drives through the city for veterans who are not yet aware of us.

“We partner with many organizations to provide a continuum of care for our veterans. Our funders, donors, and volunteers make our work possible!”

Q: With the holiday season approaching, what items is Veterans Place in need of most?

A: “Our veterans are always in need of warm clothing, hygiene items, and shelf stable food. But the most feedback I receive from veterans is when they see people who stop and show they care.

“Sometimes just asking how they are doing or wishing them well can make all the difference.”

Photo by Jessica Gilmore

Veterans Place Community Day.

A New Start for a Former Marine

Gilmore explained that the mission of Veterans Place is to empower veterans transition from homeless to home. The intention is to end the cycle of homelessness and to assist all at-risk veterans in becoming engaged, valuable citizens who contribute to their communities.

With the Transitional Housing Program’s 80% successful transition rate, Albert Dingle can call Veterans Place, home. He served in the Marine Corps for six years and joined Veterans Place in 2009.

Veterans Place has impacted Dingle’s life because of how the organization has put him in touch with resources to sustain living and mental health needs.

When people from the community donate and/or help to support Veterans Place, Dingle said that he loves it. “It makes me feel like someone cares about veterans,” he said.