GREGG, SUNUNU ANNOUNCE $200,000 GRANT FOR HOUSING AND SERVICES FOR HOMELESS VETERANS IN NASHUA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                      CONTACTS: LAENA FALLON

6/25/08                                                                                    202-224-3324

                                                                                    LIZ CHAMBERLAIN

                                                                                    603-430-9560

GREGG, SUNUNU ANNOUNCE $200,000 GRANT FOR HOUSING AND SERVICES FOR HOMELESS VETERANS IN NASHUA

WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu (R-NH) today (6/25) announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $200,000 in funding to Harbor Homes, Inc., of Nashua to help reintegrate homeless veterans into the labor force.  The funding was made available through The Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), which provides emergency shelter, job counseling, transportation, and other assistance to homeless veterans.

Senator Gregg stated, “Veterans who have honorably given years of service to protect our country deserve our help when they fall on tough times. It is imperative that we provide them with the necessary services to get back on their feet.  The staff and supporters at Harbor Homes should be recognized for the commitment they have made to New Hampshire’s veterans.  Their past efforts, like Buckingham Place and the Veterans F.I.R.S.T. Initiative, have been critical pieces in the efforts to help those veterans who have experienced difficult situations.  These funds build on those important steps and will go a long way to ensuring that veterans throughout the Greater Nashua community receive much needed care and transitional services.”

Senator Sununu stated, “I have toured Buckingham Place -- Harbor Homes’ transitional housing facility for veterans -- and have met with the residents.  This organization has a great record of helping homeless veterans and their families, and this funding will enhance the outstanding services already provided by the staff and volunteers.  Our nation’s veterans have made enormous sacrifices to protect us, and I am pleased this grant was awarded to a facility uniquely positioned to assist them.”

            “We are delighted and honored to have the opportunity to receive this funding which will assist homeless veterans with employment opportunities,” said Peter Kelleher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harbor Homes. “We are grateful to Senators Gregg and Sununu for their support through this funding process, which will have a significant impact in the lives of those individuals who have so proudly served our country.”

Funding through HVRP allows thousands of homeless veterans nationwide to enroll each year in programs that involve emergency shelter, substance abuse counseling and treatment, job counseling and referral, employment assistance, transportation, housing, and clothing.  The program requires grantees to use available resources in the community and partner with other agencies including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Veterans Administration (VA).

Harbor Homes offers a variety of housing programs and supportive services for homeless families, individuals, and veterans in the Greater Nashua area.  The agency recently opened Buckingham Place, a transitional facility for honorably discharged homeless veterans, in downtown Nashua.