State awards $20 million to MVOC for veterans housing project - here's what they're building
A plan to convert two vacant Winchendon school buildings into low-income housing for veterans and their families is receiving a nearly $20 million boost from the state.
Officials with the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center in Gardner said the project to redevelop the former Streeter and Poland Elementary Schools into 44 units of low-income apartments for homeless and high-risk veterans would receive nearly $20 million in state and federal resources to support the project. The award comes from the state’s “One Stop” program, which was created by the Department of Housing and Community Development to allow organizations to apply for many state grants at one time.
MVOC part of the housing solution
“This is unbelievably exciting news for MVOC,” said Executive Director Dr. Stephanie Marchetti. “There is a huge need for affordable housing throughout the state and we are excited to be able to be a part of the solution to that issue, and (we are) appreciative to the town of Winchendon for providing us the opportunity to expand within our community.”
A groundbreaking ceremony for the $25 million project would occur later this year, Marchetti added.
More: Find out how these vacant schools are going from a source of blight to a source of hope
The plan
The properties for the project, which will transform the two vacant school buildings into one combined affordable housing complex for veterans, was sold to MVOC by the town for one dollar. The completed project will also include 22 parking spaces, a courtyard with recreational areas, a grill area, and raised planning beds for gardening. The nearly 4-acre site will also include a columbarium memorial structure to provide a final resting place for the cremated remains of residents.
In addition to the $20 million award, additional $2 million in funding for the project was secured in the Economic Development Bill by Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik, D-Gardner.
“I’m glad the state is able to make this important investment in our community,” said Zlotnik. “MVOC and Dr. Marchetti have a proven track record providing top notch support for our veterans. This means a lot for Winchendon, MVOC, and it will mean even more for those vets who are able to live there.”
More: PHOTO: MVOC receives $3,000 donation from Winchendon Legion members
Officials with MVOC were currently completing applications for both private and state funds to cover the remainder of the project, according to Marchetti. She said Fidelity Bank had agreed to provide funding in the form of a loan, if necessary.
The $20 award is a portion of $246 million recently announced by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to fund 27 housing projects throughout the state.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center Winchendon veterans Housing Project
