How This SouthCoast Group Is Helping Veterans Start Over

A Mission To Support Those Who Served

This week’s Southcoast Health Community Spotlight shines on Veterans Transition House, an organization dedicated to helping homeless and at risk veterans and their families across the SouthCoast.

Founded in 1990 by Vietnam veterans and community leaders, Veterans Transition House focuses on providing not just shelter, but the tools veterans need to rebuild their lives. Their mission centers on rehabilitation, self sufficiency, and successful reintegration into the community.

Helping Veterans Find Their Way Forward

Executive Director Michael Nash, a veteran himself with more than two decades of military service, understands firsthand how difficult the transition to civilian life can be.

LISTEN: Veterans Transition House on MGM Show

“When you leave the military, the community you knew is gone,” Nash said. “Your status is gone, and now you're just some guy that had a job that a lot of people don't understand."

Veterans Transition House steps in to help bridge that gap. The organization offers a wide range of services including housing assistance, job placement support, resume building, and financial help for veterans who have fallen behind on bills.

More Than Housing

The support goes beyond basic needs. Veterans Transition House also provides outreach services, connecting with veterans in shelters and homeless encampments, and offers access to mental health resources, including suicide prevention programs.

One of the biggest challenges many veterans face is isolation. Programs at VTH help veterans reconnect with their communities, build relationships, and regain a sense of purpose.

Breaking Down Barriers

Nash says pride can often prevent veterans from seeking help.

“Most veterans want to serve others and feel like someone else may need it more,” he said. “But they deserve help too.”

Veterans can visit the outreach center on Purchase Street in New Bedford to learn about available resources and take the first step toward a better future.