Thirty years ago, a group of Vietnam veterans recognized the critical need for housing and supportive services for a growing population of homeless veterans in New Bedford. This veteran-helping-veteran model was a common approach nationwide. Veterans Transition House (VTH) was established in 1990 to “provide hope for homeless veterans in a safe, supportive residence, and to assist those who desire to achieve rehabilitation into the community.” Since then more than 3,000 homeless veterans have been served by VTH in eight revitalized properties across New Bedford.

Today, veterans constitute a majority of our board of directors and staff, each has the unique, effective ability to reach out to and connect with homeless veterans through shared experiences and values. Trusted by veterans and community partners to be non-judgmental with a do what it takes commitment, VTH is a regional leader in providing housing and wrap-around services for homeless veterans who have struggled with substance abuse, PTSD, and financial hardship, by providing rehabilitation, re-integration, and other supports necessary to achieve self-sufficiency for every veteran. The VTH motto is a hand up, not a hand out.