Melvyn Blanchard, in wheelchair. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. — Photos courtesy of Commonwealth of Massachusetts

By Harry Kane

The City of Somerville won another victory in an ongoing battle for veterans’ welfare, as a $6.7 million award of federal funds trickles down to veteran service organizations statewide in a campaign to eradicate homelessness and enhance outreach for the mission at hand.

On July 11, The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the award of federal funds for the HOPE campaign, which stands for Housing Outreach-to-Placement Effort. This is part of the broader $20 million End Veteran Homelessness campaign.

“This funding will empower nonprofits to continue their vital work, offering veterans a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and respect,” Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said. “It is a testament to our collective commitment to leave no veteran behind.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the End Veteran Homelessness campaign in March of 2024, with funds allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“No one who served our country should ever have to worry about having a roof over their heads,” said Governor Maura Healey.

Veterans in Somerville welcomed the good news.

Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, to the left is Secretary Jon Santiago (from the Executive Office of Veterans Services).

“This funding will significantly enhance our ability to connect with veterans who need housing and supportive services,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago.

Volunteers of America of Massachusetts, Inc., an organization that serves more than 650 veterans and their families annually, operates a transitional living center in Somerville called the Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center.

A press conference was held at MBVC on July 11, and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and her team, were on hand to present the grant to help end veteran homelessness.

“We want Massachusetts to be the undisputed leader when it comes to serving, supporting and respecting veterans and their families,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.

The goal is to reach and identify all the veterans who may be struggling with homelessness, Driscroll explained.

“We are grateful to be a part of this amazing work and will continue to help our community members and friends at Mass Bay Veterans Home,” Somerville Police wrote on Facebook.

President and Chief Executive Officer of VOAMASS Charles Gagnon said: “We have so many success stories as folks come through the Mass Bay Veterans Center, move into permanent housing, follow them with stabilization services, making sure they secure employment.”

As part of an ongoing mission to end veteran homelessness, assisting in employment opportunities is important, which is why Congress passed The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017.

Since then, National Hire A Vet Day is observed annually on July 25, which hopes to remind and inspire employers to recruit and hire former military personnel. 

It is a call to action for businesses to hire more of our nation’s heroes. Brave men and women from the military return to civilian life, and finding a job can be challenging for transitioning veterans.

Some of the best jobs overall for veterans entering civilian life include: Health Care Provider, Manufacturing Technician, Informational Technology Professional, Business Administrator, Human Services Representative and Engineer.

Military members retiring or separating from armed services total some 200,000 per year, according to the Department of Labor.

Director of Veterans’ Services Jerome Thomas said Somerville has a little over a thousand veterans, according to the last census report.

Mayor of Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne.