The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center has launched a new website, making it easier for veterans to access services, according to a community announcement.
The Barre Savings Charitable Foundation provided funding for the website, which was developed by Gardner-based InConcert Web Solutions. The site is now fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessible via computer, tablet and phone. It also features an active veterans event calendar, downloadable housing applications and easily navigable service pages.
The MVOC has served homeless and high-risk veterans throughout North Central Massachusetts for over 40 years. Its previous website had remained unchanged for over a decade due to funding restrictions and capacity restraints.
Barre Savings Charitable Foundation provided funding for the new Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center website.
“It seems like such a given to have an updated website in 2025, but the reality is that these things cost thousands of dollars to build and then have continued costs to maintain — for an organization of our size and capacity this was just not something we could take on,” said Dr. Stephanie Marchetti, MVOC’s executive director. “Our state and federal funding goes directly into housing and supportive services for veterans; there isn’t anything left over for things like this. The funding from Barre Savings Charitable Foundation has allowed us to move the organization forward and more easily spread word of what we have to offer.”
MVOC worked with InConcert Web Solutions for several months to identify the needs of the region’s veterans and service providers and ensure updates were inclusive and maintainable.
“Since we serve this community, it just makes sense to work with a community-based business on a project like this,” Marchetti said. “They know us, they know the people we aim to support, and so the process was very smooth. We also know if anything ever happens, they’re right across the street to help!”
The new website can be viewed at veterans-outreach.org. Services offered by MVOC include housing, mental health counseling, benefits advisement, a food and clothing pantry, financial assistance grants and reintegration activities.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Veterans in North Central Mass. now have a better way to find support