Pittsburgh, PA – In a significant move to support homeless and low income veterans in the Pittsburgh region, Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard, in partnership with Duquesne Light Company (DLC) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), recently unveiled the Duquesne Light Veterans Workforce Center. This newly established facility offers a dedicated workforce development space designed to help veterans navigate the job search process through hands-on training and support.
The center features activity areas, meeting rooms, and virtual training resources aimed at empowering veterans with the tools they need to secure meaningful employment. As Pennsylvania is home to the fourth largest veteran population in the country—more than 800,000 veterans— this center represents a valuable resource for many who have faced
challenges transitioning back into civilian life.
Since 2021, DLC has contributed $325,000 to enhance and renovate this essential space. The nonprofit’s Veterans Workforce Development and Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program, funded by the DOL, offers a full range of job training, counseling, and placement services. With the new center, Veterans Place and DLC are creating a direct pathway for veterans to access internships and career opportunities with some of the region’s top employers, including DLC.
“Veterans bring unique, transferable skills that align well with the needs of the utility sector,” said Samantha L. Hartzman, DLC’s Head of Social Impact and Chief Diversity Officer.
“Approximately 8% of our workforce are veterans, active military, or reservists, and we’re committed to fostering a supportive environment that values their contributions.”
The Center and Program supports veterans as they transition out of service and into civilian life, helping them find employment, gain skills training, and access emotional support. The focus is on an ‘at-risk’ population—veterans navigating civilian life, securing jobs, and supporting
their families. Helping veterans find stability reduces homelessness and suicide rates while creating pathways to success.
Kevin Kordzi, Executive Director of Veterans Place, emphasized the center’s importance in helping veterans rebuild their lives. “The Duquesne Light Veterans Workforce Center will provide essential resources and training, but it will also foster a sense of belonging for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” he said. “Together, we are building pathways to success and helping our veterans reclaim their futures.”
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on October 25, attended by representatives from DLC, Veterans Place, the DOL, and Pennsylvania Senator Lindsey Williams. The center’s unveiling underscores a deep commitment to veteran support, going beyond standard outreach to create a structured, effective path for veterans to thrive in the workforce. The new center stands as a beacon of hope for veterans, offering them not only a steppingstone toward employment but also a place where they can connect, learn, and feel valued in the community they served so honorably.