BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today announced that six Massachusetts Homeless Veterans’ Shelters would receive a total of $3,123,854 in federal Homeless Grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The shelters will be able to use the funding to renovate buildings, purchase new vehicles and provide additional beds for our state’s homeless veterans.

“The most important lesson I learned when I returned from Vietnam was to never confuse the war with the warrior. We have nearly a half a million veterans throughout Massachusetts and every single one of them has earned our care and respect. You don't support the troops when you fail to provide adequate care when they come home," said Senator Kerry. "There are still service members from this generation that are unaware of the help that is out there. This much needed funding will provide our state’s veterans with a warm bed at night and assistance as they transition from combat to everyday life. Our veterans earned these benefits through their service to their country, and we must fulfill our commitment to them by providing the highest quality services possible.”

Melissa Wagoner, spokeswoman for Senator Edward M. Kennedy, said “Senator Kennedy commends the Massachusetts Homeless Veterans’ Shelters for their dedicated work and congratulates them on receiving these funds. Our veterans deserve care that matches the enormous sacrifices they, and their families, have made. We must constantly to renew our commitment to care for these American heroes to the best of our ability. It’s because of their dedication and sacrifice that we continue to enjoy the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.”

The following shelters will receive funding:

Boston (JP) Volunteers of America of Massachusetts $63,729

Brockton Father Bill’s and MainSpring $400,000

Gardner Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center $14,755

Leeds, Pittsfield United Veterans of America, Solder On $34,798

Lynn Volunteers of America of Massachusetts $1,107,517

Shrewsbury Massachusetts Veterans $1,503,055


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