Groundbreaking for veterans homes
By: Sabina Kuriakose
Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray was on hand at the groundbreaking of a new housing project for homeless veterans in Pittsfield. Our Berkshire County Reporter Sabina Kuriakose was there and has more.
BERKSHIRE COUNTY, Mass. -- "Being homeless, especially with a criminal background, it's hard to find housing," said Willie Ledbetter, a veteran with Berkshire County nonprofit Soldier On.
"It keeps us from going back on the streets and having to use," said fellow vet Anthony West.
These men know what it means to have a home, because they've had to live without one.
"I've been waiting for this housing, the apartments to happen," Ledbetter said.
That's why Soldier On's groundbreaking of a new limited equity cooperative housing project for homeless veterans at Pittsfield plaza means so much.
"For people who have been homeless for an extended time, there's never a hope of really being able to belong, that's what really happens. And what we've been able to do is establish a community where our veterans want to stay," said Soldier On President and CEO John F. Downing.
Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, State Senator Ben Downing, along with the mayor, city councilman Dan Bianchi and other local and state politicians, all came out to show their support for the project. Vets said they welcome the chance to own their own home while still living around other veterans.
"The community setting is great. It gives veterans room to work through all their issues. We have a team of experts that will assist veterans once they move in. Veterans can't ask for anything better," said Ledbetter.
According to Downing, construction of the 39 studio apartments for veterans will be complete in exactly 46 weeks.