Thompson walked away impressed from his latest look at the center.

“It’s been impressive to watch from the beginning,” Thompson said. “It’s unlike anything I’ve seen. And with no government funding.”

During an open house organized by the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, guests were able to hear about current renovation plans and expansions of offered services at the center, which is located on Main Street in Clarendon. Of the 32 available rooms 22 are currently occupied by homeless veterans, veterans in transition and veterans and their families.

Plans are being implemented in order to increase the available rooms to accommodate 60 people. The open house served as a way for Allegheny Valley Veterans Center officials to show their appreciation to the community and donors and show their work in progress.

Thomas R. Eaton, president of the Allegheny Valley Veterans Center board, welcomed open house attendees, provided a brief background of the Allegheny Valley Veterans Center and thanked donors in attendance for their generosity.

The center offers supportive housing for homeless veterans and works to provide a full continuum of support to homeless, unstably housed, and low-income veterans. Allegheny Valley Veterans Center participants will receive case management to assist them with developing goals to transition from the AVVC into permanent housing. The center serves veterans in Warren, Potter, Elk, Forest, McKean, Crawford, Venango, and Erie counties.

Rep. Glenn Thompson listens to the concerns of an Allegheny Valley Veterans Center resident.

Rep. Glenn Thompson, Allegheny Valley Veterans Center board members and donors listen as Thomas Eaton, center board president, speaks.

Construction is underway utilizing the school’s former gymnasium to create apartments for family housing.

Allegheny Valley Veterans Center is located in the former Clarendon elementary school.