HISTORY OF THE MECHLING-SHAKLEY VETERANS CENTER ..:: Click here for the 268Center.com Website ::.. The history of Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center is lengthy and diverse. Beginning in the mid 1930's, the site served as the state headquarters and campgrounds for The Church of God of Prophecy. After nearly half a century, the campgrounds were closed and the property was purchased by Quality Life Services through 268 Center, Inc. With this new ownership the tabernacle, that once had been home to many church services, was converted to 55 private bedrooms, a gymnasium, community bathrooms, laundry facilities and a meeting room. The dining hall was renovated to create offices, living rooms, a dining room and a kitchen. Once all of the renovations were complete, the property opened as the first private jail in Pennsylvania. In 1987, the usage again was changed when the current owners remodeled and began serving homeless, chronically and mentally ill veterans. Five of the remaining cottages on the campus were improved for long-term onsite housing and one cottage was transformed into a woodworking shop. The 4-bedroom house, originally used by The Church of God of Prophecy State Director, was converted into resident housing. This contract continued for 16 years until the program was discontinued by the Veterans Administration. Currently, "The Center" as it is commonly referred, now a charitable non-profit organization, continues to house both male and female homeless veterans in need of both short- and long-term accomodations. The Center works closely with the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) team at the VA Pittsburgh to help address each veteran's specific needs. CLOSE THIS WINDOW or... REQUEST MORE INFO (Please see website first!)