WASHINGTON – Making sure the Soldiers' Home remains a comfortable residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is targeting $8.3 million in grant money for improvements to the facility in Holyoke, Mass.
"This grant reflects the federal-state partnership that is honoring our commitment to care for the men and women who have served in uniform," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "This partnership provides a comfortable home for veterans in a time of great personal need."
The grant will pay up to 65 percent of the cost of the renovations, which include a new air-conditioning system and auditorium, plus improvements to the kitchen. The overall cost of the project is approximately $12.8 million.
In fiscal year 2003, VA spent nearly $1.3 billion in Massachusetts to serve about 510,000 veterans who live in the state. VA operates major medical centers in Bedford, Boston, Brockton, Northampton and West Roxbury. VA health care was provided to 81,829 people in Massachusetts during 2003.
Information about the Soldiers' Home is available on the Internet at http://www.mass.gov/hly.
