MVOC offers a variety of housing options- independent apartments, permanent supportive housing, and transitional supportive housing. Each of these options are maintained as safe and sober environments with full access to all MVOC opportunities. They all also have the same application process, which takes a minimum of 3-5 days to complete:
- Complete our intake application here and return it to our Outreach Coordinator
- Review your veteran status, criminal record, mental and physical health, and housing history with staff as needed
- Complete a clinical intake with one of our clinicians to determine if MVOC is the best location to support you and your needs
Central Street Housing Options
The MVOC headquarters, located at 246 and 268 Central Street in Gardner supports several housing options.
The third floor of 268 Central Street offers twelve transitional single room occupancy units for male-identifying veterans as part of the congregate residential Veterans Administration Grant per Diem Service Intensive Transitional Housing program. This program is designed to help homeless and at-risk veterans overcome personal challenges and re-establish their place in society. Each resident lives and maintains their own room setting but shares common living areas and responsibilities as part of the program under the oversight of a staff case manager, wellness team, and access to the onsite comprehensive service center and food and clothing pantry.
The second floor of both 246 and 268 Central Street provides low-income permanent apartments for independent veterans looking for a more traditional tenant-landlord scenario. As separate self-contained apartments, the environment is non-gender specific. This option also provides an onsite coin-operated common laundry area and patio/balcony for residents only. Both options are ADA compliant and have controlled access as additional safety for the residents.
Unity House
Unity House is a 15-unit single room occupancy (SRO) permanent/transitional supportive housing facility providing structured programming for male-identifying veterans. Eligible veterans can reside in a sober congregate living environment at Unity House while re-integrating into an active and productive civilian life. Residents have the opportunity to participate in various veteran and community activities and therapeutic programs. Programming includes case management and counseling that enhances the development of life skills and a monitored action plan that will aim to successfully reintegrate a resident back into the social setting as an independent and productive citizen. Residents of Unity House are eligible for MVOC’s food assistance program, medical transportation, and to receive all other support services as provided by MVOC. Please note this is not a domestic violence or emergency shelter.
Residents who have resided at Unity House have gone on to secure a more independent lifestyle, attain gainful employment, and attend college.
Women’s Housing at ‘Cathy’s House’
Cathy’s House is a transitional / permanent-supportive housing option that offers a safe and healthy home environment for up to eight female-identifying residents in need of support services. Residents may include female veterans or close female family members of veterans (partners/spouses, adult children, adult grandchildren). This home provides a clean, sober, and safe community living environment where residents work towards regaining individual wellness and an independent lifestyle. Each resident maintains their own room but shares common living areas under the oversight of a case manager and the wellness team. Amenities include ADA compliant spaces and access, medical transportation services, on-site laundry, mini-refrigerators in each room, and spacious common areas.
Located in the town of Winchendon, MA, the residents will be able to participate in all MVOC therapeutic activities and programs. It is within walking distance to the local stores, banks, the library, and a YMCA. Please note this is not a domestic violence or emergency shelter.
Nichols Street Apartments
Nichols Street Veterans Apartments consist of 8 studio apartments and two 2-bedroom apartments that are reserved for veterans who intend to maintain sobriety and who have set goals for future achievement.
Nichols Street Veterans Apartments provide an affordable permanent housing option for eligible individuals, single-parents, and small families. The building offers a familiar home-like environment in a residential neighborhood. Residents volunteer for various activities and events with the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center and throughout the community, and carry-on with an independent lifestyle.
For information on how to apply to MVOC housing, please check here.