In a press conference at Harbor Care’s Independence Hall veteran facility Wednesday – as outside temperatures hovered around 7° – Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais announced the creation of a new Sustainability Fund dedicated to helping homeless veterans who need assistance with security deposits, application fees, and emergency shelter. Harbor Care will distribute the funds.

In September of 2024, Mayor Ruais launched an initiative to effectively end veteran homelessness in Manchester by January 2026. At the time of the launch, there were 47 unhoused veterans. Ten landlords, along with several community groups, led by Harbor Care, came together in support of the initiative. Since the plan’s launch, 28 veterans now have long-term, sustainable roofs over their heads.

“We are thrilled by the progress we are making on this incredibly important mission, and the mayor’s leadership on this effort has been tremendous,” states Harbor Care President & CEO Henry Och. “The funds provided to us by the city will be very effective in helping veterans overcome housing barriers. These funds will be available to fellow organizations partnering on this initiative because we are all in this together.”

Ruais said, “Seven different veterans’ groups stepped up, each raising one thousand dollars to support the city’s and Harbor Care’s efforts. I could not be prouder.” The veterans’ groups donating $1,000 to the Sustainability Fund include: American Legion Post 2, American Legion Post 79, American Legion Post 43, Catholic War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Queen City Memorial Post 8214, and Disabled American Veterans.

“This funding will also be used towards temporary emergency housing, such as short hotel stays, to help veterans get out of the dangerous cold. To be clear, this money is not a handout; it’s a hand up to our veterans who just need a little more support on the home front,” added Ruais.