Press Release  Secretary Santiago Visits “Soldier On” to Advocate for Affordable Housing Opportunities and Supportive Services for Veterans

Northampton, MA — After spending the morning with staff and veterans at the Holyoke Veterans’ Home, Secretary Jon Santiago toured transitional and permanent housing units operated by Soldier On, a nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing and support to veterans across the Commonwealth. During the visit, he observed the positive impact of three of the organization’s programs, including two transitional housing facilities for men and women and the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community in Northampton.

"Soldier On writes a new ending to the story of homelessness for our veterans, one where they find hope, healing, and a place to call home,” said Secretary Santiago. “Through their unwavering commitment to transitional housing and supportive treatment programs, Soldier On empowers our nation's heroes to reclaim their lives and dignity and inspires us all to honor their sacrifices by ensuring that they never have to face homelessness alone."

Soldier On has provided homeless veterans with transitional housing and supportive services since 1994. Its treatment programs focus on building social skills to provide emotional support for veterans. All residents have access to treatment groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and training in computer technology and current events. Additionally, each veteran is assigned a case manager who creates an individualized service plan that addresses their needs and goals.

“I would like to thank Secretary Santiago and his staff for visiting the Soldier On transitional and permanent housing sites on the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System campus in Leeds today,” said Bruce Buckley, CEO & President of Soldier On. Secretary Santiago displayed his support for the work we do with veterans who are homeless and at risk of homelessness by touring the sites, meeting with staff, and, most importantly, listening to the veterans in the Soldier On program. We are excited to actively collaborate with the Secretary and his office to build upon the many existing programs and create expanded programs to serve the veterans in Massachusetts. His interest in partnering with agencies such as Soldier On will effectively reach more veterans and develop additional resources to serve the veteran community.”

Soldier On offers an employment program that includes job training and education, resume building, interview preparation, and job fairs. Financial assistance is available to provide transportation to and from job appointments. The Resident Management Team is responsible for rules, maintenance, transportation, treatment advice, intakes, and discharges.

Secretary Santiago praised the organization's philosophy of peer-to-peer action, saying, "Their philosophy helps empower veterans to take the lead long after they leave the Soldier On program."

Soldier On's teamwork approach is essential to help veterans live a better life and believe in themselves. The nonprofit empowers veterans to govern themselves and take charge of their future, using peer-to-peer action to help them build self-confidence and a positive self-image.

The Executive Office of Veterans’ Services provided Solier On with a $500,000 funding grant for FY2023 to support the expansion of their veterans’ programming throughout the region. For more information about Soldier On and its programs, please visit their website at https://www.wesoldieron.org/.

###