ATHOL — A local organization dedicated to housing veterans and providing them with an agricultural outlet can now accommodate up to 10 retired warriors.
The Athol Board of Selectmen voted this week to grant a lodging permit for Vets & Veggies, a 501(c)3 nonprofit started by Jake Alexander to facilitate “the last step” veterans need before fully reintegrating into society. Tenants, he said, invest time in agriculture to boost self-esteem and grow food for the community. Alexander said so far two former service members live on the property at 844 Chestnut Hill in Athol.
Alexander, who is not a veteran, has owned the property less than three months. He said he has already gotten zoning approval. He said he has had a vision for the land since he first saw it and started working on the project in November 2016.
“I’ve wanted to give back for a while,” he said. “I realize being able to do this is a huge opportunity. This is the least I can do for them when they come back.”
Alexander, 29, stressed Vets & Veggies has no counselors or therapists and the veterans who will be there have already been through programs to deal with any issues they have as a result of their military experience.
According to vetsandveggies.com, the organization aims to occupy veterans’ hands and minds while they learn to become stewards of the land and “build sustainable gardens that will help feed our communities.”
The selectmen voted 4 to 1 to accept Alexander’s application. Rebecca Bialecki, the lone board member to vote against the motion, explained she is not opposed to the project, but rather what she perceives as weakness in Athol’s application process. “I would love to see (Vets & Veggies) be successful,” she said.
Bialecki said the amount of information required on applications is not enough to enable selectmen to make good decisions. She said she intends to raise her concern about applications at the next meeting, slated for May 16.
The selectmen also approved a one day beer and wine license so Vets & Veggies can hold a fundraiser on June 3.“It should be a good day,” Alexander said.