Easterseals opens new veteran campus in Franklin, with plans for Phase II already in the works

FRANKLIN — Focused on the well-being of Granite State veterans, Easterseals New Hampshire recently completed and opened a new 15-acre campus of housing and other services.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte was among nearly 1,000 supporters gathered at the new NH Military and Veterans Campus Sept. 18, celebrating the completion of the first phase of a project that includes affordable housing for veterans, support services and a conference center.

“Phase I is complete, which includes 29 apartments for veterans which are permanent and, more importantly, affordable,” Allen Aldenberg, Easterseals NH chief military and veterans service officer, said. Aldenberg oversees operations of the new campus. “It is fully occupied with a waiting list. That tells you that the need is there.”

About 15 people are on that waiting list for apartments, which Aldenberg said are state-of-the art, and rent includes all utilities except internet and cable. Five apartments are two bedrooms, and the “vast majority” are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.

The rent is income-based, and 15 residents are part of the Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing program.

“We want to make sure when they are screened that their rent is not being set more than they can actually afford,” Aldenberg said. “Some are 30%, others are 40% or 50%. The higher percentage they have, the higher the income. It’s a good program.” Aldenberg was referring to a calculation for apartment rent as a percentage of a veteran's household income. 

Phase I of the campus took about 2.5 years to complete, and Aldenberg said it is impressive in every sense of the word. Across the street from the apartment complex is a retreat center with conference space for up to 150 people, as well as a café that fits about 100 people. A hub of services is also in place for veteran services organizations, with Aldenberg saying nonprofits will have a free spot available to work, bring in clients and continue outreach efforts.

Within the retreat center there are 22 hotel-system rooms of various sizes. Some have kitchenettes and other amenities, and all have their own bathroom. Aldenberg said organizations holding retreats can cater to the needs of people traveling in from out of state.

“We can offer them a room as part of the package for using the conference space,” Aldenberg said.

Next up for Easterseals NH is getting the proper approval by the Franklin Planning Board to get started on Phase II. This will include equine and canine facilities, indoor recreation opportunities, a climbing wall, and a ropes course all under one roof. Aldenberg said they are also obtaining final approvals for an outdoor challenge course.

Easterseals NH staff are also looking for approval to rehabilitate a historic building on the property, which the Veterans Count program will occupy. This will include an area for music and art therapies and yoga, among other activities.

“If we get all of our approvals and everything works out right, we could potentially break ground in November of this year,” Aldenberg said. “The City of Franklin has been extremely supportive from the beginning. They’ve been great to work with, and we will work with them to meet the city requirements.”

Aldenberg said the “massive turnout” shows the interest and support from the community.

“Phase I is done, which is great, but now we have to continue to work hard to provide what we said we would provide for veterans,” Aldenberg said. “So far, we have done that with this permanent housing. We want bring veterans and first responders, and families, to the campus on a consistent basis, to take advantage of the services available.”

The feedback from the public and elected leaders has been positive. For the veterans living there, some were experiencing homeless or on the verge of it, according to Aldenberg, so the opening of the apartments is monumental.

“It gives them a safe, stable environment to live in,” Aldenberg said. “As a veteran myself, New Hampshire does a good job of taking care of our veterans. They want to do better, and we will do our part to make sure no veteran falls through the cracks.”

Currently the demographic ranges from residents in their early 30s to early 80s, covering every conflict from Vietnam to present day.

Even with the waiting list, veterans can apply for housing online. The organization's property management division determines individual eligibility.

“As long as they can live independently, they can stay as long as they want,” Aldenberg said.

Aldenberg, who is a brigadier general in the NH Army National Guard, has more than 30 years of military experience at all levels. He is also the former police chief of Manchester, and a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 280.

“I am a veteran, still serving, and doing a lot better than some of the other veterans we serve,” Aldenberg said. “I am fortunate to be a part of what is going on with Easterseals. To be able to help, and put them on a better path, there’s just no work I’d rather be doing.”

Also in the works, but will probably be further down the line, is an indoor pool and fitness facility. Aldenberg said this is all dependent on fundraising and other support opportunities.

For more information about housing applications, visit militaryveteranscampusnh.org.