NORTHAMPTON — Soldier On, a nonprofit founded in Leeds that provides veterans and their families with access to housing and various support services in four states, is receiving significant support from the state’s Department of Veterans’ Services.
The Baker-Polito administration recently announced nearly $4 million in funding that will allow 10 agencies to increase their outreach to veterans. Soldier On, which began in 1994 on the campus of the Central/Western Massachusetts Veterans Affairs Medical Center, is receiving $500,000 from the state.
“Basically, this is a new pot of money the state has applied for our ideas on how we can deliver to those in need,” said Bruce Buckley, Soldier On’s CEO and president.
The application Soldier On submitted, with Holyoke being its primary target area, included:
■Enhancing case management to veterans so they are informed about all benefits to which they are entitled.
■Providing a van so transportation can be offered to medical appointments.
■Making rent, utility and security deposit payments.
■Educating about financial literacy and improving credit scores.
■Giving legal support and doing a wellness program.
The money will pay for two full-time case managers, one full-time peer support position and one full-time driver, and a portion will go toward the salaries for lawyers and wellness professionals.
Soldier On delivers services in four states, including New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and to more than 4,000 veterans annually. Since 2011, Soldier On has served 22,517 veterans and their family members through Supportive Services for Veterans Families across the four states. The nonprofit also has several housing projects it oversees, including the 44-unit Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community in Leeds.
Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement that the state is supporting crucial programs for veterans.
“These initiatives help veterans access housing, medical care, employment services and other tools that will help improve their livelihoods,” Baker said. “This work is critical as we seek to better support the brave men and women who have served their country and sacrificed so much.”
The providers that are receiving funding will serve veterans identified as underserved cohorts, including those who experience racial inequity, domestic violence or disabilities that are barriers to self-sufficiency.
“Today’s action is another step toward ensuring all veterans in underserved communities are connected to supportive services that will improve physical and mental health care outcomes, and address barriers such as food and housing insecurity to enhance quality of life,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders said in a statement.
Others receiving significant funding include Clear Path for Veterans New England Inc. in Devens, and the New England Center and Home for Veterans in Boston, both of which also got $500,000; and Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center in Hyannis, which got $498,000.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.