Help for Veterans
There are a variety of services and organizations in the 17th Worcester District and in the greater Commonwealth for veterans. If you are a veteran seeking services such as homelessness prevention, employment and housing security, and receiving your bonuses and benefits, check out the resources below.
Organizations and Associations
Project New Hope: Located in Worcester, Project New Hope has spent over 14 years providing resources and services to veterans and their families with a focus on healing. Project New Hope’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities affected by military service and all that it entails. They provide Sully’s Veterans Food and Baby Pantries, wellness retreats with a focus on PTSD and grief, emergency financial assistance, SNAP enrollment and navigation; and peer support for caregivers, Gold Star families, and survivors.
Veterans, Inc: The biggest provider of veterans services in New England, Veterans Inc. has served veteran communities since 1990. They aim to support the “whole veteran,” taking a holistic approach to wellness. They do this through housing and homelessness prevention programming, health and wellness support, employment opportunities and training, mental health and substance use treatment, and more. They also organize an annual Stand Down event and resource fair for local veterans!
Veterans Bonus Division: Through the Massachusetts Treasurer and Receiver General’s Office, the Veterans Bonus Division provides and coordinates bonus payments for qualifying and eligible veterans, service members, and their families.
Veterans Service Officers: Massachusetts State Law requires and ensures that a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) is located in every municipality within the Commonwealth. VSOs coordinate outreach about benefits and services, refer veterans to programs and services, organize veteran benefit applications, help with employment assistance for veterans, and plan Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and related veteran observances.
Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association: The Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association (MVSOA) is staff of veterans services offices in the Commonwealth, including Veterans Service Officers (VSOs). VSOs are honorably discharged veterans who are employees of the communities they serve. They can help you find and access financial assistance, healthcare, housing, and education benefits.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal organization committed to giving back to veterans, service members, and their families. They coordinate benefits for veterans nationwide, making sure you get the resources you deserve. They also host outreach events to help veterans connect, grow their networks, and obtain resources. The new VA Health and Benefits App makes it easier than ever to check your benefits, or even to refill prescriptions or message your care team at your convenience.
Boston Regional Benefit Office: The VA has a regional benefits office based in Boston. Through this office, you can make an appointment to discuss disability compensation, education benefits, life insurance, pensions, home loans, and more.
Inquiries regarding any federal departments such as the VA may be directed to Congressman Jim McGovern.
Veterans Legal Services
Mass.gov Guide: The Attorney General (AG) connects veterans in need to different sources of legal help.
WilmerHale Legal Services Center: Veterans and their families who cannot afford an attorney can access legal aid through the Veterans Legal Services Center out of Harvard Law School.
Note: this service focuses on, but is not exclusively bound to, clients in the Greater Boston Area.
Veterans Legal Services/Legal Aid: Located in Boston, Veterans Legal Services provides free legal aid for civil (non-criminal) cases in the State of Massachusetts.
Mass Legal Services: This website provides information on the legal services available to veterans across the State of Massachusetts.