Central Mass. receives cut of $6.7M in federal funding to fight veteran homelessness

A man in a green baseball cap and a man in a white button down wear masks reach for yogurts in containers in a top open kitchen refrigerator.

Photo | Edd Cote Veterans Inc. provides food security services for 2,400 clients annually.

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Two Central Massachusetts nonprofits were among seven Massachusetts organizations to split $6.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to support their outreach and case-management services targeted at ending veteran homelessness.

The awarded funds are part of the Housing Outreach-to-Placement Effort, a subset of the $20-million End Veteran Homelessness campaign launched by the Gov. Maura Healey Administration in March, according to a Thursday press release from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services.

Devens-based nonprofit Clear Path for Veterans New England, received $570,000 in funding.

Established in 2017, Clear Path offers a number of supportive programs for veterans including wellness and clinical services, employment opportunities, and obedience training for service dogs.

"Our boots-on-the-ground approach will allow us to extend our reach to veterans who are in or nearing crisis, enabling us to swiftly identify issues and implement effective solutions. This award reinforces our commitment to ensuring that no veteran is left behind," Clear Path Chief Operating Officer Jason Gilbert said in the release.

Worcester-based nonprofit Veterans Inc. received $300,000 in funding.

Veterans Inc. was established in 1990 with the goal of eradicating veteran homelessness. Today, the nonprofit provides services including housing programs, case management, and substance use treatment to veterans throughout its six New England locations and one Montana location.

In May, Veterans Inc. was awarded $356,000 in funding to support its suicide prevention initiatives.

“Veterans volunteered to put their lives on the line to protect our families and defend our values. In return, we have a duty to use every tool we can to support veterans in our own communities,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said in the release.

Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.