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Regional veterans services update: outreach at senior center and state reimbursement model explained
Summary
Veterans agent Jason updated the board on outreach, enrollment and the shared-services arrangement. He reported about 140 veterans reside in town, roughly 66 were receiving a particular state benefit as of January, and the shared-service grant fully funds the health inspector and nurse roles for four towns while covering a portion of the director role.
The Select Board received an update from veterans agent Jason (S8) and partners on the regional veterans services arrangement that serves Hampden and neighboring towns. Jason said about 140 veterans reside in the town and that approximately 66 were receiving a referenced state benefit as of January; he urged residents who may be eligible but not enrolled to contact his office.
Jason described outreach conducted at the senior center, a veterans coffee program and partnerships with the VFW and volunteer leaders. He said the regional arrangement spreads costs across participating towns (Hampden, East Longmeadow, Greenfield) and provides consulting and casework services; Holland receives limited support on a temporary basis. Board members praised the visibility of veterans outreach and discussed expanding social-media outreach and coordination with other town outreach efforts.
No specific town budget request was made for FY27; Jason said the shared-services grant funds staff and that the towns were not being asked for contributions for the coming fiscal year. The board thanked staff for outreach efforts and asked for continued reports on engagement and benefit enrollment.
