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Philadelphia Veterans Affairs director describes VetPro rollout, rising tax-exemption claims and planned free therapy sessions
Summary
Director Gregory Wright told the Veterans Advisory Commission that the office is using VetPro to connect veterans to state and federal systems, has seen real-estate tax-exemption requests rise into the hundreds, and plans to offer 12 free therapy sessions for veterans beginning March 2026.
Gregory Wright, director of the city’s Department of Veterans Affairs, briefed the Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission on Dec. 10 about increased claims assistance and new tools the office is using to connect veterans to benefits.
Wright said the office is implementing VetPro, a software licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, to link city veterans to state and federal records and streamline benefits work. He described a sharp rise in real-estate tax-exemption applications, saying the numbers have ‘‘started to creep up into the hundreds’’ since May.
Wright also previewed an expanded set of services slated for early 2026: the office plans to offer 12 free therapy sessions beginning in March 2026 for veterans navigating claims and health care, provided by a therapist who is also an accredited Veterans Service Officer and a licensed professional counselor. ‘‘We understand that when we walk a veteran through the process of filing claims, sometimes it can bring up some unsettling memories or feelings...and we want to make sure we have the staff on-site to assist them,’’ Wright said.
On the question of proposed state legislation to broaden property-tax exemptions for disabled veterans, Wright described the bill as ‘‘sitting on the floor of the house’’ in Harrisburg and said discussions included proration models (100%, 90%, 80% tiers) and negotiations with municipal and school-district stakeholders. When asked whether an income cap would remain, Wright said that question was still under debate and noted that the Pennsylvania constitution does not include an income threshold for the exemption.
Wright told commissioners the office is also working on outreach to smaller landlords and potential city partnerships to expand short-term housing options. He said staff will publish next year’s meeting dates and other public information later this month and encouraged veterans to use online applications and field services for those who cannot visit City Hall.
Commissioners asked follow-up questions about legislative timing and implementation specifics; Wright said negotiations were ongoing in Harrisburg and that the office would report back as bills advance.
