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Susquehanna Warrior Reserve logo — a Spartan helmet framing a sunrise over NEPA mountains, set in a shieldSusquehanna
Warrior Reserve

Strategic goals

A regional force for dignity-driven support

SWR is working to move Northeast Pennsylvania from fragmented crisis response to a modern, data-driven housing stability system — one that protects the most vulnerable and strengthens communities across the region.

Seven-Pillar Strategy

One system. Seven pillars. Endless opportunity.

Stabilize → Coordinate → House → Advance → Long-term stability. Our operational backbone moves people from crisis stabilization toward opportunity — resulting in fewer crises, improved health, stronger housing stability, and safer, more connected communities.

Diagram of the SWR Seven-Pillar Operational Backbone: First Responder & Corrections Wellness, Stabilization & Navigation Network, and the Empowerment Gateway feed the Youth, Workforce & Community Stewardship, and Veteran pathways, then the Housing Stability Investment Pathway, leading to lower crisis cycling and greater long-term stability.

Select the diagram to view it full size.

  1. First Responder & Corrections Wellness

    Supports the public-safety workforce with wellness, restorative services, and peer support.

  2. Stabilization & Navigation Network

    A 24/7 front door for crisis response, intake, assessment, navigation, and immediate stabilization.

  3. Empowerment Gateway

    A digital coordination hub for referrals, care plans, resources, partner visibility, and outcomes tracking.

  4. Youth Pathway

    Education, mentoring, life skills, and enrichment for youth ages 16–24.

  5. Workforce & Community Stewardship Pathway

    Workforce development, community stewardship, recreation, and municipal collaboration.

  6. Veteran Pathway & Redevelopment

    Veteran services, benefits navigation, and blighted property redevelopment.

  7. Housing Stability Investment Pathway

    Housing placement, retention support, and long-term housing stability solutions.

Housing stability for those at highest risk

SWR serves as a key architect and regional driver of the Housing Stability Investment Act, advancing adoption of Empower Houses, Housing First units, landlord protections, and community stability safeguards. With a focused commitment to children aging out of the CYS system and veterans navigating housing instability, SWR works to ensure these high-risk groups have clear, trauma-informed pathways to safety, stability, and long-term opportunity.

Through the Empowerment Gateway, SWR will connect residents — especially youth exiting care and veterans — to real-time housing, workforce, behavioral-health, and stabilization resources.

A cross-sector governance coalition

We are inviting regional partners to appoint a representative to the SWR Board or Advisory Committee to ensure alignment, accountability, and shared success.

County & government partners

  • Luzerne County Council
  • Luzerne County Mental Health & Developmental Services
  • Luzerne County Transportation
  • Luzerne County Corrections
  • Luzerne County Court Advocacy
  • Luzerne County Probation & Parole
  • State and federal representation

Health & human services

  • Habitat for Humanity
  • NAMI
  • Step by Step
  • Children's Service Center & Robinson Center
  • The Wright Center
  • Geisinger
  • UPMC
  • Commonwealth Health

Education & workforce partners

  • CareerLink
  • Luzerne County Community College
  • King's College
  • Wilkes University
  • Misericordia University

Develop the Empowerment Gateway

A technology-enabled platform that connects individuals to services, education, housing, workforce pathways, and community support. The Gateway will:

  • Map and integrate regional providers, programs, and supports
  • Offer guided navigation from crisis to stability to opportunity
  • Provide micro-training, credentialing, and workforce pathways
  • Connect youth, veterans, families, and individuals to education and employment
  • Serve as a shared tool for providers, case managers, and community partners
  • Support data collection, outcomes tracking, and continuous improvement

This system becomes the backbone of SWR's long-term impact strategy.

Build a metrics & outcomes framework

A clear, trauma-informed system to measure success, including:

  • Housing stability
  • Employment and education outcomes
  • Mental and physical health access
  • Recidivism reduction
  • Time to stabilization
  • Long-term independence and quality of life

Data from the Empowerment Gateway will support real-time evaluation and continuous improvement.

Develop a tiered supportive housing system

A continuum of housing options that meets people where they are:

  • Emergency stabilization housing
  • Transitional supportive housing
  • Long-term supportive housing
  • Independent living with wraparound supports

Including specialized housing for veterans, youth aging out of CYS care, and youth fleeing high-risk environments.

Provide temporary housing for court-involved individuals

Short-term, trauma-informed housing and services for individuals who must secure a stable address to comply with legal requirements through Luzerne County Courts, Corrections, and Probation.

Build workforce & micro-training pathways

Partnering with colleges, trade programs, and local businesses to create:

  • Micro-credentialing and micro-training for high-need trades in NEPA
  • Short-term and long-term workforce pathways
  • On-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities
  • Employer partnerships that support second-chance hiring

These pathways help individuals move toward stability, purpose, and economic mobility as they heal.

Support the SWR FundThe Interagency Council