WASHINGTON – To make sure the Massachusetts state veterans home in Holyoke remains a safe and comfortable residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding grants grant totaling nearly $670,000 for improvements at the commonwealth-run facility.
“These grants honor our commitment to care for the men and women of Massachusetts who have served in uniform,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Our federal-state partnership helps to provide comfortable and safe housing for Massachusetts veterans who have served our country with pride and honor.”
VA’s grants will cover 65 percent of the total cost of two projects. The first grant of $325,000 is for window replacement including construction and equipment acquisition. The second grant of $344,500 is for masonry repairs. Total cost for both projects is $1 million.
Established in 1952, the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke is a multi-faceted health care facility available to eligible veterans of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1971, a major addition was completed providing limited hospital services and additional long-term care beds.
In fiscal year 2007, VA spent nearly $1.4 billion in Massachusetts to serve more than 441,000 veterans who live in the state. VA operates major medical centers in Bedford, Boston and Northampton, with outpatient clinics and Vet Centers across the commonwealth.
For more information on the Holyoke Soldiers Home, please visit www.mass.gov or call (413) 532-9475.
