Solider On to Receive $250,000 for Plymouth, NH Veterans Housing Project
Grants to Help Spur Economic and Community Development in the North Country
AUGUST 2, 2016 CONCORD – Governor Maggie Hassan and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today announced that twelve New Hampshire projects will receive grant funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to help spur economic and community development in the North Country as part of the 2016 NBRC Economic & Infrastructure Development Investment Awards totaling $1,550,000.
At the request of North County civic leaders and homeless providers, Soldier On was invited to undertake a Veteran’s permanent affordable housing project in Grafton County. As one of the largest private providers of veterans’ supportive services, Soldier On operates a complex continuum of housing and support services for veterans that is designed to move them from homelessness toward permanent homeownership. On average over 8,500 veterans and family members are served annually through its emergency, transitional and permanent housing programs.
The Plymouth Veterans project located on 12 acre site on Boulder Point Rd will provide housing and support services to New Hampshire veterans, especially those that prefer to remain in the North Country. Unique to Soldier On is the development of affordable Veterans housing under a limited equity cooperative model. The model provides each veteran with a real stake in their home, in their community. Veterans are involved in the Cooperative’s Management and in the day to day operations- providing a sense of purpose that is essential to their recovery and long- term stability.
The Veterans Administration through their Medical Centers in Manchester and White River Junction, VT will play an active role in the identification of eligible veterans and coordination of VA services. New Hampshire Housing Finance Agency will administer VASH rental assistance vouchers that will ensure housing affordability for each Veteran.
The commitment of VASH requires the project to commence construction by April 2017. Soldier On has assembled a qualified development team to ensure that with the support of the Town of Plymouth and participation by key funding partners, the project will meet that aggressive deadline and be housing New Hampshire veterans by August 2018.
“Each of these projects will promote job creation and economic development by addressing critical priorities, including increasing access to substance misuse services, updating our long-term economic development strategy, combating veterans homelessness, strengthening our infrastructure and supporting our travel and tourism industry. I thank our partners across the region and in the federal government for their collaboration, and I look forward to continue working together to keep New Hampshire’s economy moving in the right direction,” Governor Hassan said.
“Today’s announcement is great news for jobs and the economy in northern New Hampshire,” said Senator Shaheen. “Each of these projects will help revitalize the North County economy by addressing important infrastructure needs and supporting small business growth. I’m glad to see the NBRC prioritizing development in North Country communities and businesses, building on the region’s strengths and expanding opportunity in the Granite State.”
“The people and communities of the North Country face unique challenges and obstacles, especially when it comes to economic development, but partnerships like the Northern Border Regional Commission invest in projects that help to create jobs, reduce poverty, and ensure that the resilient people of the North Country get a fair shot,” state Senator Jeff Woodburn said. “We need to make smart investments in order to expand opportunity for all, support businesses throughout our state, and lay the foundation for a new generation of economic growth. The announcement of more than $1.5 million into the North Country’s economy is a great shot in the arm and I thank Governor Hassan, our Department of Resources and Economic Development, Senator Shaheen and our Congressional delegation for helping to secure this vital funding.”
“I would like to thank Governor Hassan and Senator Shaheen who have worked with our North County partners, lead by Catherine Brentwood and Alex Ray, for this opportunity to move forward with this vital project,” Soldier On CEO Jack Downing said.
To read more: http://governor.nh.gov/media/news/2016/pr-2016-08-02-northern-border-grants.htm
Governor Hassan’s Communications Office (603)271-2121
