Governor Establishes New Executive Office of Veterans' Services

04:05PM / Friday, March 03, 2023Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON —?Massachusetts Governor Maura T.?Healey?and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll announced on March 1, the establishment of the Commonwealth's new Executive Office of Veterans' Services.

Former state representative and US Army Reserve Major Dr. Jon Santiago of Boston was sworn in as the Massachusetts' first Secretary of the new Executive Office of Veterans' Services (EOVS).

"I am honored to serve as Secretary of Veterans' Services and am grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for their trust and confidence in me," said Secretary Jon Santiago. "As a US Army Reserve Major, who has served two tours overseas, I have first-hand and profound appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our veterans and look forward to collaborating with colleagues across state government, Legislature, and the EOVS team to ensure they have access to services and benefits worthy of their service."

The creation of the Executive Office of Veterans' Services is the result of legislation enacted in 2022, An

Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth's veterans' homes. The legislation includes new organizational and governance changes, elevating the Department of Veterans' Services to a Cabinet-level Secretariat.

"This is a historic day for Massachusetts veterans, service-members and their families," said Governor Maura T. Healey. "I congratulate Secretary Santiago for the distinction of being the Commonwealth's first Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans' Service and commend him for his commitment to serving our Commonwealth and our country. As a physician, legislator, and US Army reservist, he brings a wealth of experiences and knowledge that will enable him to lead with compassion and move forward in continuing to improve care for Massachusetts veterans."

Organizational and Governance Changes?

The Department of Veterans' Services is elevated to Cabinet-level Secretariat and removed from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and renamed to Executive Office of Veterans' Services
The State Operated Veterans' Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke report to EOVS, and the Secretary of Veterans' Services.?Soldiers' Homes Governance Changes
Homes are renamed from Soldiers' Homes to Veterans' Homes
A new Office of Veterans' Homes and Housing is established, with oversight by Executive Director Robert Engell
The new Statewide Veterans' Homes Council was created in February 2023. The council consists of 19 members, chaired by Executive Director Robert Engell which includes appointments of four seats by the Governor, three seats by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Board of Trustee members of the two State Veterans' Homes Input on membership from veterans' organizations including VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Military Officers Association of America, and Gold Star Families.

Administrative and Operational Requirements for Veterans' Homes

Superintendents?are appointed by and report to Secretary of Veterans' Services?
Homes must apply for and maintain certain Department of Public Health licensure and CMS certification and be inspected twice annually by DPH.

Establishment of Independent Office of the Veteran Advocate (OVA)

The office is not within or subject to the control of any other agency, effective on March 1.
The Veteran Advocate will be nominated by committee, and will be jointly appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and the State Auditor.

Tags: veterans,

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Pittsfield Housing Project Adds 37 Supportive Units and Collective Hope

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:01PM / Monday, December 29, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A new chapter in local efforts to combat housing insecurity officially began as community leaders and residents gathered at The First on to celebrate a major expansion of supportive housing in the city.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday Dec. 19, on nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at The First, located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. The Housing Resource Center, funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars, hosted a celebration for a project that is named for its rarity: The First.

"What got us here today is the power of community working in partnership and with a shared purpose," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said.

In addition to the 28 studio units at 111 West Housatonic Street and nine units in the rear of the church building, the Housing Resource Center will be open seven days a week with two lounges, a classroom, a laundry room, a bathroom, and lockers.

Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, challenged attendees to transform the space in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church into a community center. It is planned to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round.

"I get calls from folks that want to help out, and our shelters just aren't the right spaces to be able to do that. The First will be that space that we can all come together and work for the betterment of our community," Forbush said.

"…I am a true believer that things evolve, and things here will evolve with the people that are utilizing it."

Earlier that day, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and her team in Housatonic to announce $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, $5.45 million to Berkshire County.

He said it was ambitious to take on these two projects at once, but it will move the needle. The EOHLC contributed more than $7.8 million in subsidies and $3.4 million in low-income housing tax credit equity for the West Housatonic Street build, and $1.6 million in ARPA funds for the First Street apartments.

"We're trying to get people out of shelter and off the streets, but we know there are a lot of people who are couch surfing, who are living in their cars, who are one paycheck away from being homeless themselves," Augustus said.

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