PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren ended her visit to Pittsfield on Thursday on the scenic grounds of Soldier On's housing developments where more 50 former service members are supported with the tools they need to thrive. 

 

She had earlier spoken with Volunteers in Medicine and held a roundtable with local entrepreneurs of the Berkshire Black Economic Council.

 

The 39-unit Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community has served 95 veterans since 2010 and the 14-unit Katie Doherty Veterans Village has served 20 in four years.

 

"My administration has been talking about housing since the day that I took office so what a perfect way to end your visit of talking about housing and how we can be creative to add more housing," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.

 

The permanent housing communities include an array of supportive services to ensure that veterans maintain successful occupancy including a life skills program, individual case management, furnishings, transportation, technology, daily meals, legal assistance, and end-of-life services.

 

"We are their family," Executive Director of Field Services Sarah Polidore said, as many don't have loved ones to provide care.

 

Warren said her day in Pittsfield had been seeing what it means when the federal government is a good partner with community organizations.

 

"The one overwhelming message from today is that each of these partners strengthens the community for everyone else," she said. "We treat our veterans well when we provide the kind of stable housing support services they need, it's not only good for our veterans, it's good for our whole community. Same thing is true on health care, same thing is true on small businesses."

 

Chief Executive Director Bruce Buckley explained the difficulties in piecing together funding for housing developments, noting there is a mortgage on the property. He said funding for supportive services is also essential.

 

Warren emphasized the importance of all types of housing and new developments, saying, "housing is one of the top priorities for what we need to be doing in coordination. Federal, state, and local."

 

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program was also discussed.  This mobile service model operates in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, offering case management, referral services, and temporary financial assistance.