Mayor Ruais Introduces Sustainability Fund to Support Homeless Veterans

MANCHESTER, NH – In a continued effort to combat homelessness among veterans, Mayor Jay Ruais has announced the creation of a Sustainability Fund aimed at addressing key barriers veterans face when securing housing. This new initiative, launched in partnership with Harbor Care, builds on the mayor’s September 2024 pledge to effectively end veterans’ homelessness in Manchester by January 2026.

Mayor Jay Ruais (Courtesy)

The Sustainability Fund will provide financial assistance for security deposits, application fees, and temporary emergency housing during extreme winter conditions. Since the September launch, the city has already seen significant progress, with 28 of the 47 homeless veterans in Manchester now housed in long-term, sustainable accommodations.

“The fact that we’ve reduced the number of unhoused heroes by 28 is incredible,” said Mayor Ruais. “This fund will help us take that number even lower. It’s not a handout; it’s a hand up for those who served our country and now need support on the home front.”

Ruais credited seven local veterans’ groups for their contributions, noting that each raised $1,000 to kick-start the fund. He also acknowledged a personal donation of $1,000 from veteran and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 18 member Bill Biser.

Harbor Care CEO Henry Och praised the mayor’s leadership, emphasizing the fund’s potential to break down housing barriers. “These funds will ensure veterans can access the support they need, whether through our services or our partner organizations. This collaborative effort is making a tangible difference,” said Och.

Veterans and community leaders have rallied around the initiative, recognizing the transformative impact it could have. Former Alderman Mike Lopez highlighted the power of veterans supporting one another: “This fund will change lives. It’s the least we can do to honor those who served and sacrificed for our country.”

Participating veterans’ groups include American Legion Posts 2, 79, and 43; Catholic War Veterans; Veterans of Foreign Wars Queen City Memorial Post 8214; and DAV. Their contributions, combined with the city’s efforts, underscore a shared commitment to ensuring no veteran in Manchester is left without a roof over their head.

Mayor Ruais’s proactive approach and emphasis on collaboration have positioned him as a positive force for good in Manchester, exemplifying how leadership and community action can create meaningful change. The Sustainability Fund marks another step forward in making Manchester a place where every veteran has a place to call home.