Opening of a renewed retail store a bright spot for veterans in current economy.
Boston, MA - November 11, 2009 - Veterans Day - Rebuilding Together Boston, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with skilled labor and volunteers to restore homes and non-profit facilities, has completed the major renovation of the New England Center for Homeless Veterans' (NECHV) retail clothing store. The work was completed courtesy of the funding by Sears Holdings' Heroes at Home program with terrific support from Shawmut Design and Construction, Sasaki Associates and Mr. Handyman employee volunteers. More than 75 volunteers worked on the restoration of the retail store.
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino praised the effort. "Our family, friends and neighbors who have served in the military have given so much for our freedom. On Veterans' Day the people of Boston and every American should take a moment to thank our veterans and to give something back. It is a fitting tribute to our war heroes to celebrate the renovation of The New England Center for Homeless Veterans, which has been a terrific partner in the Government Center area of Boston for 20 years," said Mayor Menino. "We are pleased that so many volunteers have joined with Rebuilding Together Boston to keep NECHV in first-rate condition and to refurbish the clothing store, which provides much needed clothing, shoes, and toiletries to our veterans at no cost."
The Thomas H. Evans Clothing Store, which originally opened in 1990s, located in the basement of the NECHV on Court Street, provides free clothes, shoes. toiletries and accessories to thousands of veterans each year. The Rebuilding Together Boston volunteers painted the retail store and hallway walls, remove existing ceiling tiles, paint ceiling grids, and put in a new ceiling in the store. In addition, architects voluntarily designed a new space plan for the store.
"On Veterans' Day, through our Heroes at Home program, it is an honor to recognize the military service of men and women and to offer them a safe and warm place to call home", said Don Hamblen, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Sears Holding. "We also were pleased that our local Sears employee volunteers could assist with the renovation of the NECHV retail store."
"The opening of the new retail store is a bright spot for our veterans in the current economy. Rebuilding Together Boston appreciates the creativity and hard work that our volunteers and sponsors put forth to renew the New England Veterans Center for Homeless Veterans." "Today's ribbon cutting celebration culminates almost many months of work to provide our veterans with warmth, safety and security. From the main hall to the retail clothing store, we appreciate the hard work of our volunteers and sponsors and acknowledge our Veterans for their service to our nation," said Simone Auster, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together.
About Shawmut Design and Construction
Shawmut Design and Construction is a 100% employee-owned company headquartered in Boston with offices in New York, Providence, Las Vegas, and New Haven. Shawmut is a leading ENR top 100-ranked national construction management firm providing client-oriented services in the following markets: Academic, Commercial, Corporate Interiors, Cultural and Historic Preservation, Gaming, Healthcare and Science, Hotels, Restaurants, Retail, and Spas and Health Clubs.
About Rebuilding Together Boston
Rebuilding Together® Boston (RTB) is a non-profit organization working in partnership with skilled labor and volunteers to stabilize and restore homes and non-profit facilities in Boston neighborhoods. These services are delivered at no cost to the recipient. Our work revitalizes communities and preserves home ownership. http://www.rebuildingtogetherboston.org/
About New England Center for Homeless Veterans
The New England Center for Homeless Veterans is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to extend a helping hand to homeless men and women veterans who are addressing the challenges of addiction, trauma, sever and persistent mental illness, and/or unemployment, and who will commit themselves to sobriety, non-violence, and working for personal change. Recognized as one of the most effective private veteran's transition programs in the country, the NECHV is celebrating its 20th year in service to veterans. http://www.nechv.org/
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