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Easterseals outlines veterans campus in Franklin — housing, therapy, recreation planned
Summary
Easterseals described a multi-phase military and veterans campus in Franklin that will include permanent affordable housing, a hub of on-site veteran services, a retreat center, an indoor aquatics and fitness facility and therapeutic recreation; phase 1 (29 housing units) expected in mid-2025 and fundraising is underway for phase 2.
Easterseals of New Hampshire presented the committee with a progress update on a planned military and veterans campus in Franklin that aims to centralize housing, behavioral health, workforce development and recreational therapy for veterans, service members and their families.
Why it matters: the project is intended as a statewide hub for veteran supports, with an initial focus on affordable permanent housing and a service hub that will host veteran service organizations, outpatient substance-use treatment and meeting space.
Alan Aldenberger, Easterseals’ chief of military and veteran services, said the organization received $23 million in state OpERA funding for an initial redevelopment and that Phase 1 — two rehabilitated buildings with 29 units of permanent affordable housing, including 15 units eligible for VA VASH vouchers — is due to be completed in June of next year.
A service hub across the street will include meeting and event space, 22 hotel-style guest rooms for groups using the retreat center, and a roster of veteran-service organizations on-site for in-person assistance. Aldenberger said the goal is to create “no wrong door” access to services.
Phase 2 fundraising is underway, with plans for a four-lane indoor pool built for therapy and adaptive swim programs (in partnership with Swim With A Mission), an indoor recreation and climbing wall, an equine therapy facility, a canine program and an outdoor challenge course. Easterseals emphasized partnerships with community groups and the City of Franklin; the campus also includes historic Burley Cottage, slated for rehabilitation and programming.
Committee members asked about community engagement and operational details, and Easterseals said they are accepting housing applications now; staff reported about two dozen applicants already and said waitlists and intake processes are being developed. Aldenberger and project staff said they expect construction for the larger Phase 2 build to begin in late 2025 if fundraising targets are reached.
Ending: The committee received handouts and a map of the campus footprint; members and visitors were invited to tour the site once construction advances. Easterseals said the project aims to become a replicable model for veteran-centered integrated services in other states.
