Soldier On program for homeless vets to spread to Florida

Soldier On program for homeless vets to spread to Florida with grant
By BOB DUNN STAFF WRITER
Gazette Contributing Writer
Saturday, September 22, 2012

NORTHAMPTON - Soldier On, an organization that assists homeless veterans, will provide about 25 beds for vets in Florida using the methods it's developed and honed over the last 10 years in Leeds.

The $1.1 million in grant money to provide the shelter was part of $28 million awarded nationwide by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

John Paradis, public relations director for the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System in Leeds said the approval of the grant is a testament to Soldier On's success.

"Soldier On has a successful model," Paradis said. "We're glad to see it replicated."

The model being used by Soldier On is one of providing veterans the opportunity to take over a lease instead of having to move out of transitional housing after 24 months after receiving VA services including substance abuse treatment, job training and placement assistance and mental health counseling.

Kurt Zellen, the grant and per diem liaison at the medical center, said Soldier On provides shelter and transitional assistance for about 500 veterans every year, with 225 beds at two facilities in Leeds and Pittsfield.
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