Veterans Miracle Center Erie

Veterans Miracle Center Erie is a military-style exchange that provides basic life necessities such as clothing, hygiene products, and housewares at little to no cost to homeless, at risk or low income veterans in Erie, Crawford, and Venango counties. To qualify for VMCE services, veterans must provide proof of Veteran status and have a demonstrated need (low income, homeless, or at-risk). Veterans can “self-refer” via the VMCE website (www.vmcerie.org), or can be referred from other veterans organizations and programs such as the Erie VAMC, Erie VAMC Homeless Care Team, Liberty House and Chautauqua Opportunities.

Veterans Miracle Center Erie Programs:

• Vetting – The intake/qualification process of veterans to determine Veteran status, and demonstrated needs factors such as low-income household, at-risk of homelessness or homelessness.

• Needs Evaluation – The evaluation of need is based on vetting outcomes and other standardized metrics utilized by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VMCE provides the material products needed and makes referrals to other programs (i.e. Chautauqua Opportunities) for services outside of those offered by VMCE.

• Back to Basic – VMCE provides personal hygiene products such as shampoo, shave cream, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss and paper products. VMCE Veterans may return every 30 days for a fresh supply.

• Shop the Exchange – Providing a personalized shopping experience for the veteran to “purchase (at no cost)” clothing, housewares, accessories, and personal care products. VMCE Veterans may return every 90 days to shop.

• E.D.U./Employment Dress Uniform – VMCE provides suits, dress shirts, ties, dress socks, slacks, work gear, and steel toe boots for veterans utilizing employment programs through the VAMC, Careerlink, other agencies, and veterans interviewing for employment.

• Welcome Home to Hope Kits – Housewarming kits containing items such as dishes, silverware, cooking and kitchen utensils, pots, pans, towels, wash cloths, and other basic life necessities, provided to formerly homeless veterans upon receipt of a fully-executed lease for their new apartment.

• Welcome Home to Hope Campaign – Housewarming party campaign to gather essentials for Welcome Home to Hope kits provided to formerly homeless veterans.