By Molly McCarthy, Contributing Writer
(Photo/Molly McCarthy)
Shrewsbury – The non-profit organization Veterans Inc. will be receiving $3.3 million from the Patrick administration to build 35 new housing units for homeless veterans at its 59 South St., Shrewsbury facility. U.S. Rep. James McGovern, 3rd District, was joined by officials from the organization to make the announcement at a press conference held at the facility July 15.
“Providing safe and affordable housing for our returning veterans must be a high priority,” McGovern said.? “Veterans Inc. has a long and proud tradition of serving this community.”
The Patrick administration's Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness recently released the “Commonwealth's Plan to End Homelessness among Veterans.” According to that report, there were “1,268 homeless veterans on a given night across Massachusetts, which represents 7.6 percent of the total homeless population in the state.” The plan has a goal of reducing the number of homeless veterans by 1,000 by 2015. Developments such as the affordable housing units at Veterans Inc. will help aid this goal, the officials said.
Veterans Inc. bought the Shrewsbury facility from the Passionist Fathers in 2009. It currently houses up to 22 veterans.
According to its website, Veterans Inc.'s “clinical case management approach addresses the “total veteran,” incorporating job training and employment, health and wellness, and supportive services ranging from transportation to legal advice.”
Over 400 veterans attended a weekend event called a “Stand Down” in June at the Shrewsbury location. Veterans were able to avail themselves of services including legal, financial, housing, optometry and dental care. A career fair was also held, with 20 companies present seeking to hire veterans.
