A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate a new home for veterans in Randolph.
Father Bill’s & MainSpring partnered with Envision Bank for the home at 26 Moulton Street, which will provide apartments and support for 10 formerly homeless veterans.
Bill Parent, the President and CEO of Envision Bank, says their foundation was founded with a core goal of helping veterans.
“A lot of these projects, the collaboration ends when the building is done and you cut the ribbon,” said Parent. “This is one where they continue to be a neighbor and the hope and expectation is we can work collaboratively with Father Bill’s to continue to be a resource for these vets who are going through the challenges of life like we are. When you think about coronavirus, the pandemic, and life in general, there are a lot of challenges. We hope to be an ongoing resource for them.”
Envision Bank sold the land behind their downtown branch to FMBS for $1 and donated $500,000 toward construction. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, General Contractor Curtis Construction Co. stayed on schedule for construction of the home, which took about a year to complete.
The Mass Department of Housing and Community Development contributed $1.46 million for the project. Veterans started moving into the home in recent weeks.
April Connolly, the Chief Operating Officer for FMBS, says this project was a unique partnership. They’re hoping it’s a model towards ending homelessness.
“It’s the first time we’re really developing a homeless project with a private entity like Envision Bank and their foundation. Just the support that they’ve given us and the confidence they’ve shown in our mission and how we do the work,” said Connolly. “To see it finished is just so rewarding. There’s nothing like the key that you give someone, and to see them move into their unit for the first time – that’s what keeps us coming back to work every day.”
Lou Trubiano, the Chairman of the Envision Bank Foundation and member of the bank’s Board of Directors says their thrilled with the outcome. It all started about five years ago when they started the foundation.
“This isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to get support. Every aspect of their life as they transition into permanent housing. It had to be done by lottery, because unfortunately there’s a high degree of homelessness among veterans. This is one small step towards alleviating that,” said Trubiano. “They will have all sorts of services here, case workers here. Hopefully this will be a permanent home for them.”
Susie Whelan said a family member was chosen to move into one of the new apartments. A veteran of the Army and Marines for four years each, Whelan was concerned with his previous living conditions.
“I wish that more homeless veterans had this opportunity. It’s perfect, he’s only been here for a week and I’ve seen a huge change in his attitude. He’s not as grumpy, he’s not as down on himself, his self-esteem has risen, it’s perfect,” said Whelan. “With him being here, it sets my mind at ease knowing that he’s safe.”
A virtual tour of the home can be found at HelpFMBS.org/EnvisionHome.
The AmVets of Randolph (Post #51) dedicated the flag pole in front of the home with thanks to veterans who have served. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project from October 3, 2019. Numerous officials joined leaders from Envision Bank and Father Bill’s and MainSpring including Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and former Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco Urena.
