New State Grant Program To Help Veterans Pay For Legal Services, Access Health And Housing Benefits

A new state grant program supervised by Attorney General Maura Healey's office will help veterans who are transitioning into civilian life pay for legal services.

The Legal Assistance for our Veterans Grant program can be used to pay for legal representation and to help veterans access health and housing benefits.

Healey says the grant program is one part of a proud tradition in Massachusetts of helping veterans and service members.

"We need to do even more," Healey said. "We have so many men and women serving, so many men and women particularly in the last 10-15 years who have gone through an awful lot and need every leg up and help in the world from us."

Boston-based nonprofit Veterans Legal Services of Greater Boston provides pro bono representation to veterans and hopes the grant will help expand its current work.

Organization Co-Director Sarah Roxburgh says legal needs are one of the top causes of veterans homelessness.

"We receive requests all the time from all over the state and unfortunately we often have to decline representation," Roxburgh says. "With some more funding we would certainly be able to reach out to some more veterans in need."

Roxburgh says the grant money could be used to open up to two additional legal clinics for veterans.