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Veterans and advocates urge council to fund shower trailers, family‑friendly transitional housing
Summary
Multiple public commenters — including a homeless veteran — asked the council to fund portable shower trailers and help the Veterans Affairs and local veteran organizations expand transitional housing that keeps families together.
Several speakers used the public‑comment portion of the April 22 meeting to urge the city to support veterans and unhoused families with shower trailers, mobile services and funding for family‑friendly transitional housing.
Veteran testimony: Robert Uphold (introduced by the clerk) described losing housing, working multiple jobs, and relying on VA and local veteran groups for help. He asked the council to help the Veterans of Bristol County (VABC) obtain a shower trailer and to support transitional housing options so families can remain together. “Please help the VAVC get these shower trailers and if you can help them find a way to help fund them to where they can get transitional housing for family members so this way families aren't broken up,” Uphold said.
Other commenters: Lisa Brancone and others reiterated the urgency as weather warms and urged the city to publicly discuss planned transitional encampments or “bivouac” sites that some veterans and advocates say could create income streams to fund transitions. CDA staff later told the council the agency has provided mobile showers at Thrive on Plymouth Avenue and can move portable shower units, and outlined recent homelessness funding the agency administers.
Why it matters: Speakers said mobile hygiene services and family‑capable transitional housing would reduce public‑health risks, keep families intact, and complement shelter services. CDA staff said the agency has used ESG and other grant funds to support overflow shelters, warming centers and mobile services and that it has the ability to move portable shower units where needed.
Council response: Councilors thanked speakers and asked staff for details about prior resolutions and current programs. CDA staff said the city has supported hotel placements, purchased a shower trailer and laundry trailer in previous years, and that mobile showers are being offered on a rotating schedule at Thrive and at other community sites.
