Public Welfare Committee lauds City Council decision to give them more funds to help more veterans

By Owen Boss

GARDNER — The Public Welfare Commitee discussed Monday the importance of the recent City Council decision to transfer additional funds to their budget and just how vital the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center is to local veterans. Phil Buso, a veterans services officer for the city, attributed the request for the additional funding by discussing the recent increase in the clients he represents. In years past, he represented an average of about 35 clients, but this year he is currently representing 55. Although he has seen a large increase in his client base, Mr. Buso attributes the success of the veterans program to hard work and the consistent support from members of the City Council. “First of all, I am doing my job, and I have received excellent support from our council,” said Mr. Buso. “Other agents, I feel, are not doing their jobs. And also, they aren’t receiving the cooperation that they should from their city councils.” He added that the support he is receiving from members of the council is what allows him to support a surplus of clients. “I consider myself a very lucky individual,” said Mr. Buso. “I have a council that backs me and I don’t have to go looking for clients, I don’t have to advertise. The clients come to me, and unlike other representatives I don’t go looking for ways to deny them, I do all the research necessary to help them with what they need.” Darrell Keating, director of the veterans center, also discussed his efforts to support local veterans looking to get back on their feet. “We provide transitional and permanent housing for veterans,” said Mr. Keating. “The transitional housing available to local veterans is located at the South Main Street Community House in Gardner.” The veterans who reside at that location have all been through substance abuse programs, and the permanent housing available is located on the third floor of the MVOC to previously homeless veterans, Mr. Keating said. According to Mr. Keating, the care provided in the city separates the Gardner community from others in the region, and the support offered to veterans in Massachusetts is uniquely provided. “Massachusetts probably does more for veterans than most states in the country,” said Mr. Keating. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 3 on 4/15/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 90)