Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre will preside over a blessing for a grand opening celebration and prayer service to be held at Operating Base Cecilia, the headquarters for a Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program administered by Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The event will debut construction projects made possible through a recent capital campaign.

Thursday, June 30, 2016
10:00 a.m.
Operating Base Cecilia
605 East Lincoln Highway
Coatesville, PA 19320 (Chester County) 

The campaign raised $120,000 to enhance existing services and further facilitate client access and community involvement.  Completed projects include a disabled access lift, sloped walkway, kitchen renovation, shower and laundry facilities, community garden and security upgrades.

Located in the former Saint Cecilia’s School in Coatesville (Chester County), Operating Base Cecilia is a CSS partnership with the Veterans Multi-Service Center, which receives grant funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The program reaches out to homeless veterans, or those at imminent risk of becoming homeless, using a “housing first” model focused on getting veterans and their families into stable permanent housing and “back on track” to a more secure future.  Services to veterans and their family members include:  emergency services for basic needs (food, clothes, hygiene); temporary financial assistance for rent, utilities, moving and transportation expenses; housing counseling & case management; assistance with access to VA and other public benefits; job search support; legal counsel and credit repair assistance.

Since opening its doors in October 2013, Operating Base Cecilia has provided services to more than 550 veterans experiencing homelessness or in danger of becoming homeless. 

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