The city of Boston is ramping up efforts to end homelessness among veterans, and for one local organization, that means focusing on legal assistance.
Boston-based Veterans Legal Services (VLS) is the only organization of its kind in the state. The nonprofit helps veterans access benefits and navigate civil court proceedings. Its clients are specifically low-income and homeless veterans, all of whom struggle financially.
Without Support, Many Struggling Veterans Feel ‘Unprepared’ In Court
“Well, you know, I lost my job and I couldn’t pay the rent,” said Rich, a 64-year-old veteran originally from Boston. He served two and a half years in the Navy during the Vietnam War, and now he lives at the veterans shelter at the VA Hospital in Bedford.
We agreed to use only his first name for this story, because Rich is concerned about finding a new job.
“I had some difficulties, uh, you know some health issues, mental health issues and stuff,” he said. “I have periods of being able to work full-time and then I have some issues, some periods where it’s hard for me to maintain employment.”
Just before entering the military, Rich dropped out of high school, finishing his GED while he served in the war.
[For more of this story, written by Bob Oakes and Shannon Dooling, go to https://www.wbur.org/2015/11/1...erans-legal-services]
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