Montachusett Veteran’s Outreach Center’s efforts to increase the number of affordable housing units available to veterans in North Central Mass took a big leap forward today!
Left to right: MVOC President and Founder Cathy McWilliams, MVOC Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Marchetti, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, State Representative Jon Zlotnik
With the help of over a dozen state and federal funding sources, MVOC plans to redevelop the former Streeter and Poland elementary schools in Winchendon, MA into 44 1-bedroom units of affordable housing for homeless and high risk veterans.
Today, MVOC President and Founder Cathy McWilliams joined Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Marchetti and many area officials to break ground on this $25m+ project. Cathy, Stephanie, Congresswoman Trahan, and State Representative Zlotnik all spoke to the great need for and importance of this project.
McWilliams shared “I know that my husband, Jessie, is looking down and I know that he is filled with joy for his fellow vets. I am filled with pride in my heart.”
Said Marchetti, “this has been many years in the making. We’ve been waiting quite a while to get to this point. This is a much-needed project and we’re very excited to be the organization here to spearhead it.”
Over the next few months work will continue to prep the site for building, to include the removal of underground storage tanks and asbestos abatement. Approximately 18 months of construction is expected.
For more information on the project, and details on how you can be a part of supporting it, check HERE.
