This past June, the Veteran's Transition House made a big but quiet move from their Willis Street location to a new, temporary address on County Street in New Bedford.

The Willis Street location that housed the VTH since 1990 is slated to be torn down, forcing the VTA to find a new home in the former St. John the Baptist Church Rectory at 344 County Street in New Bedford.

The Veteran's Transition House CFO Jason Strippins says it wasn't a bad thing to have to move because it was "forced by opportunity." There are 30 units of housing being built at the Willis Street location, "and that's a good thing. That's why we don't mind having to move," Strippins said.

The church closed its doors in November 2012 after a decline in members and an increase in expenses. The rectory is a bit smaller than the Willis Street home, but everyone has been moved in and just under 30 people now call the County Street location home.

Fortunately, there are any real major needs at the new rectory but it is just interim housing until the 1060 Pleasant Street home is fully rehabbed and ready for living. There' s a lot of sweat equity that was put into the rectory so that everyone was comfortable so whoever moves in after us will be pretty well off.

The VTH is actively fundraising for the new Pleasant Street home and hopes to have it available by early summer of 2019. Anyone interested in making a donation or volunteering can call the VTA for more info.

The S.E. Mass. Veterans Housing Program, Inc. was established to provide hope for homeless veterans in a safe, sober, supportive residence and to assist those who desire to achieve rehabilitation, self-sufficiency, and community reintegration.‍‍‍ For more information, contact them at 508-992-5313 or via email at info@vetshouse.org


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