LUZERNE -- The Hope Center in Luzerne recently moved into a building on Main Street, a much bigger space than its previous location in the Back Mountain.
"We're new to this 9,000 square-foot facility. It's wonderful,” said Pat Colladay of The Hope Center.
The Hope Center is a free clinic supported by donations and volunteers offering medical, legal, and dental help to people who need it. While it's still allowing anyone to come in, it's shifting its focus, and starting a new outreach to veterans.
“The help for them has been decreasing, so now we become a valuable part in helping those,” said Colladay.
The center is hoping to fill the void that's been left after benefits to veterans was cut.
Joe Senick knows that firsthand.
“It's against everything they tell you when they go in. Everything is supposed to be this way and you find out later that it's not,” he said.
Senick could be considered lucky compared to other veterans neglected through the system.
Rich Pries, who works with the center, finds many vets addicted to drugs or alcohol.
“They're living in tarps by the river, and I try to help them,” he said.
Both are thankful for The Hope Center. They hope their work along with more donations and volunteers, keeps it going.
The Hope Center is located at 205-207 Main St., Luzerne. The number is: 844-239-3405