LEOMINSTER — Hero House on Grove Street is getting a makeover in the form of a multiphase renovation project that includes ripping out old carpet and installing wood flooring, installing wood floors in the bedrooms, sanding, staining and refinishing staircases, and more.

 

 

 

 

The transitional sober living environment for veterans is one of three housing facilities within the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of MA Service Fund Inc. veteran advancement programs.

“Hero House provides care to veterans who are homeless or suffer from dual diagnosis to include mental health and substance use disorder as well as physical disabilities,” said Kayla Valila, director of the veteran advancement programs of the DAV Department of MA Service Fund Inc. “Hero provides a safe, affordable living space for veterans, with the assistance of the case manager, to focus on their recovery goals, goals for education, and employment and social goals.”

“The housing and program service models have been proven effective with past and present participants,” Valila said. “We receive a substantial amount of inquiries via phone and email regarding housing services for homeless veterans of North Central Massachusetts. Our hope is to expand our services to help more veterans in the area that will help to fill the gap in placement of homeless veterans, as well as addressing the growing need for suicide prevention and help with opioid and substance use disorders in our locality.”

Valila said assistance with counseling and access to community and Veterans Affairs (VA) resources are made immediately available to veterans upon request. They also receive rides to medical appointments, access to benefits counseling, VA claims assistance, group and one-on-one substance use recovery support, suicide prevention training, and many other supports and resources. There is on-site management, nursing and 24-hour staffing to assist those in need of medication reminders and personal care, and meals are prepared for residents as well.

 

 

 

 

“Our sober-living facilities have served over 3,600 veterans and managed over 52,000 hours of counseling sessions covering psychological affects, family issues, alcohol and substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury since the 1990s,” Valila said. “DAV Department of MA Service Fund Inc. plans to continue this mission to serve our veterans.”

According to Valila, there is a population of 327,990 veterans in the state of Massachusetts as of 2016 Census information.

“There was a 56% increase of veterans seeking substance abuse treatment from 2003 to 2010 and that number continues to rapidly rise,” she said. “By their own admission, the VA is only seeing one third of returned veterans. Approximately 22 veterans a day take their own life, according to Veteran Affairs department estimates, and more than 20% of veterans suffer from dual diagnosis, suffering from substance use disorder as well as mental health and or physical health disabilities. Hero House works to combat each one of these issues by way of permanent, long term and transitional housing for veterans dealing with substance use and mental health issues, as well as other challenges related to homelessness.”

 

 

 

 

“To continue the mission and provide these critical services to the veterans in our community who are in need, we will need to make much needed repair to the facility and grounds to have the program fully operational again,” she said, adding that no veterans have been displaced during the renovation project. “We hope to be done by spring or early summer and get veterans back in, pending funding.”

The Massachusetts Historical Commission Record states that the house is “unquestionably the most elaborate residence in Leominster,” and that its original homeowner, W. H. Chase, was an active participant in several local social, fraternal and business organizations in Leominster. He founded the Leominster Worsted Company with W. Rodger which eventually, after Chase’s death, became one of the largest mills in the city.

“The preservation of this building is important as is the preservation of the history of Leominster,” Valila said. “In comparison, we also work to preserve the history of our veterans and fight for the interests of America’s injured heroes. As it stands, Hero House has been home to a substantial number of veterans over the years. There is a big need in the area, and this will help to expand our capacity for housing. The intent of the DAV Department of MA Service Fund Inc. is to continue serving veterans in this home.”

Valila said the upgrades and repairs needed include taking down wallpaper, plumbing, electrical, flooring, kitchen and bath renovations, reconstruction of the rear porch, the addition of a railing to the rear property stairs, window repairs, and painting and restoration of the exterior of the building.

“We source local companies for all the work to be completed at our programs and go through the process of getting multiple quotes,” she said.

Beauregard Hardwood Flooring of Leominster worked on the current phase of the project, which was completed Saturday.

 

 

 

 

“I’m so glad and proud to be doing some restoration work there,” said Andre Beauregard, whose business partner, Silvio Gonzalez, has been working alongside him at Hero House. “It’s a pleasure to work in these old buildings and bringing it all back to life.”

Beauregard, a longtime city resident who has been in business since 1980 and also has a hardwood flooring showroom in Rindge, N.H., said he and Gonzalez are honored to be helping with the process of restoring Hero House.

“I think it’s a great renovation at a place for homeless disabled veterans to live while rebuilding their lives,” Beauregard said. “It is also very nice of our mayor Dean Mazzarella to welcome this project in town.”

 

 

 

 

“We are invested in upgrading this property and our other local area programs to continue our mission,” Valila said. “As with many organizations, COVID-19 has financially impacted us. The DAV Department of MA is funded by generous donations from their membership and fundraising efforts such as the 5k road race and golf tournaments, as well as grants. Unfortunately, we were not able to host our golf tournament or 5k this past year, which are our main sources of funding.”

Valila said the most recent grant awarded to the DAV Dept. of MA Service Fund Inc. is from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts Endowed Fund for Critical Needs.

“(This) made it possible for us to start repairs to Hero House,” Valila said. “This is the start of a new beginning for many veterans and a place for them to call home.”

For more information visit http://www.davma.org/services/veteran-advancement-programsDanielle Ray | Reporter