Messdeck       Mission

Our Mission

Messdeck Mission provides transitional housing, supportive services, and transportation to VA medical facilities for homeless and at-risk veterans in Central Pennsylvania.

We believe stable, supervised housing is the foundation every veteran needs to rebuild their life — to heal, access care, find employment, and move toward permanent independence.

Where We Are Today

Messdeck Mission is in the startup phase. Right now, we are focused on:

• Providing information and referrals to existing VA, county, CoC, and community resources

• Building strong partnerships with VA Altoona (Station 503), Eastern Coalition For Housing (PA-509 Continuum of Care), Center for Community Action, PA CareerLink / AJC Huntingdon County, and other local organizations

• Preparing to launch our first small staffed transitional group home (maximum 4 veterans per residence)

We are not yet operational with housing or transportation services — we are actively working on leases, vehicles, staff training, and compliance to launch as soon as possible.

What We Plan to Provide

When we launch, Messdeck Mission will operate small staffed transitional group homes with:

• A maximum of 4 veterans per residence (designed to comply with local zoning ordinances)

• Private or semi-private bedrooms in a home-like environment

• 24/7 on-site supervision and daily contact for safety

• Intensive case management (weekly individualized service plans, goal setting, crisis intervention)

• Free transportation to VA medical appointments, job interviews, and community services

• Life-skills coaching, financial literacy, benefits navigation, and employment support

Our approach will be low-barrier: no sobriety requirement, no background check delays for admission, no minimum income — priority for veterans with service-connected disabilities, chronic homelessness, and other-than-honorably discharged veterans

Our Commitment to Partnership

We are committed to working closely with:

• VA Altoona (HUD-VASH, HCHV, GPD programs)

• PA-509 CoC (coordinated entry, by-name list)

• PA CareerLink / American Job Centers

• Huntingdon County Veterans Affairs

• Local shelters, faith-based groups, and other veteran service providers

We want to be part of the solution — accepting referrals, sharing outcomes, and helping ensure no veteran in our area falls through the cracks.

Founded by Veteran, for Veterans

Messdeck Mission is a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 41-3005748, incorporated December 9, 2025) created by Tyrell Cooper, a 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled Navy veteran. 

"We started this organization because we know firsthand how hard it can be for veterans to find stable housing after service — especially in rural areas like Huntingdon County. Without a safe place to live, even the best VA care, benefits, job training, and community support fall short. Our mission is to change that."

-Tyrell Cooper