Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

VA New England Healthcare System

 

Veterans' Healthy Living, Fall 2015

Bedford Green to House Homeless Veterans

On June 29, Bedford VA officials and partners laid the cornerstone for Bedford Green, a four-acre supportive housing community that will provide one-bedroom apartments for 70 homeless and at-risk Veterans ages 55 and older. Overlooking the Patriot Golf Course on the grounds of the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, units in the complex will include dishware, utensils, bedding, utility services, and shuttle service to and from Bedford. There also will be an onsite community room, fitness center, laundry area, and computer facilities, as well as onsite case managers.

When Bedford Green opens in 2016, residents will be just minutes away from comprehensive medical and clinical services, as well as specialized care and support groups, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, substance abuse treatment, and well-being services offered at the Bedford VAMC.Most of its residents likely will be Vietnam Veterans.

"We don't think anybody who served their country should go without permanent housing, just like they don't go without health care,” said Michael Mayo- Smith, network director for the VA New England Healthcare System.

William Hatley, a Vietnam Veteran who was homeless just six years ago, gave a moving keynote address at the cornerstone dedication event. Hatley shared his experiences with PTSD, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies. He overcame those obstacles and is now a Veteran Peer Specialist at Bedford VA.

Bedford Green came to fruition through strategic partnerships with community and non-profit groups, as well as federal and state resources. The new community, developed through the VA's Enhanced Use Lease initiative, will incorporate "green” building components. Bedford Green contributes to the VA's mission of ending Veteran homelessness and is the first project of its kind in the country.

Artists rendering of Bedford Green

Hospital Director Christine Croteau said the new facility would help fill a need in the community. "It's a lovely community, and we have some of the most comprehensive mental health services in the country. This is a great example of how partners in the community can come together with private and federal and state partners to make sure our Veterans want for nothing.”

In addition to Croteau, attendees included Congressman Seth Moulton; State Representative Ken Gordon; Town Manager Richard Reed; Selectman Margot Fleischman; Col. Michael A. Vogel, Commander of the 66th Air Base Group at Hanscom Field; Massachusetts' Secretary for Veterans' Services Francisco Ureña; VAMC volunteers and staff; and hundreds of other interested individuals.

For more information about Bedford Green: