5 June, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Veterans Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving veterans in need and their families across New England, was honored with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 2015 “Outstanding Member Award” this past Thursday. Staff and senior leadership of the agency were surprised with the honor during an awards banquet at the Coalition’s annual conference at the Grand Hyatt in Washington.
“It was a complete surprise,” said Vincent J. Perrone, President & CEO of Veterans Inc. “To be honored that way by our colleagues in service to veterans in need, from all across the nation, is truly humbling. We are so blessed to be able to do the work that we do, and to be singled out and recognized for it at the national level is just a great feeling.”
Veterans Inc. was nominated for the honor by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty of Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District.
“Our country owes our men and women in uniform an enormous debt, and the services Veterans Inc. provides help to honor that commitment," Senator Warren said. "This award is a well-deserved recognition of the terrific work Veterans Inc. does in Massachusetts and throughout New England to end veteran homelessness and to get former service members back on their feet. ”
“Many veterans and their families depend on critical support from organizations like Veterans Inc. that fill essential gaps in unmet needs,” said Congresswoman Esty. “I applaud the staff and volunteers on this well-deserved honor. And I am thrilled they have opened a new housing center in Connecticut to serve our New Britain veterans.”
Denis M. Leary, Executive Director of Veterans Inc., commented, “One day, and hopefully that day is coming soon, the phrase "homeless veteran" will no longer be a part of our daily conversations. Although we sincerely appreciate the honor of national recognition for the tireless efforts of our staff and that of our vast community of volunteers, the true honor is being in the position in which we can make a positive difference, and ultimately, to always be there for those who were there for us.”
Veterans Inc. had previously won the award in 2009.
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a 23-member board of directors — is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year.
Veterans Inc. is New England’s leading provider of support services to veterans and their families. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization’s single-minded mission is to be there for our veterans in their time of need. Incorporated in 1990, Veterans Inc. has helped more than 55,000 veterans in need and today operates offices and programs in all six New England states. The support services include housing programs, counseling, employment & training, family programs, benefits counseling and advocacy, transportation, temporary financial assistance, health and wellness, food services, and women & childcare services.
