- Executive Office of Veterans' Services
Media Contact for Holyoke Veterans’ Home Looks to Bright Future with New Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS)
Jacqueline Manning
Holyoke, MA — Veterans’ Services Secretary Jon Santiago today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) State Home Construction Grant Program has awarded $164 million in grant funding to the Executive Office of Veterans Services for new construction at the Holyoke Veterans’ Home.
"We firmly believe that our veterans in Massachusetts deserve the best possible care and support," said Governor Maura Healey. That's why our Administration is taking a decisive step toward creating a brighter and more inclusive future for our veteran community. By investing in the reconstruction of the Holyoke Veterans' Home, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that they receive the respect and support they rightfully deserve."
The VA State Home Construction Grant Program awarded $164 million for the reconstruction of the Holyoke Veterans’ Home, a project that aims to better support the veteran community in Massachusetts. After receiving a conditional award last year, the Executive Office of Veteran Services completed the necessary final steps to ensure compliance and receive grant funding. The project includes 234 long-term care beds, nursing support, and community spaces.
"Today’s grant award announcement ensures that the Holyoke Veterans' Home functions at its best," said Lt. Governor Kimberley Driscoll. "As the daughter of a Navy veteran, I'm proud of our Administration for providing financial benefits and support to our veterans. Our Administration will continue to honor their sacrifices by ensuring that veterans receive the care and services they've earned and deserve.'"
The project is a significant step forward for the Holyoke Veterans’ Home and coincides with the establishment of the new Executive Office of Veterans’ Services by the Healey-Driscoll Administration in March 2023. Secretary Santiago is committed to embracing the work ahead and improving the social determinants of veterans’ health, such as housing and employment, to support the veteran community in Massachusetts better.
"The Holyoke Veterans’ Home reconstruction project signifies the deep gratitude and respect we owe to our veterans and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to their well-being," said Secretary Santiago. “By proactively embracing change and prioritizing effective solutions for our veterans' care, our forward-thinking Executive Office is laying a solid foundation for a brighter future, moving beyond past challenges, and creating a better tomorrow for our heroes.”
“We appreciate the partnership with the VA,” said Holyoke Superintendent, Michael Lazo. “We want to thank DCAMM and EOVS for their support in securing the grant. We are ready and looking forward to the start of construction.”
The reconstruction of the Holyoke Veterans' Home, the second project of the complete rebuilding of veterans' homes in Massachusetts, is underway. In late April, Secretary Santiago toured the new state-of-the-art Community Living Center (CLC) at the Chelsea Veterans' Home, scheduled to open for residents later this year.
The Holyoke Veterans’ Home has entered a Memorandum of Agreement with the VA, committing $263.5 million in federal funds. The $164 million grant represents the first year's funding, with the remaining to be paid out in future fiscal years.
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Media Contact for Holyoke Veterans’ Home Looks to Bright Future with New Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS)
Executive Office of Veterans Services
EOVS provides our veterans and their families with quality support services and directs an emergency financial assistance program for those veterans and their dependents who are in need.