Brighton, Mass.– Brighton Marine, a key provider of veterans’ services and operator of the U.S. Family Health Plan for Southern New England, will unveil a significant long-term financial commitment to ending veteran homelessness in Massachusetts and across New England during a special dedication event on Wednesday.
The announcement will be made during the re-dedication of the organization’s first veterans housing facility, which will be renamed the Derrick Hassell Veterans Living Community in honor of Derrick Hassell, a beloved Brighton Marine employee who has served veterans and their families for over 47 years.
Brighton Marine CEO Rosye B. Cloud will be joined by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, and several state and federal officials for the dedication and unveiling ceremony, which will take place on the Brighton Marine campus at 77 Warren Street.
At the event, Cloud is expected to outline a new strategic initiative and funding commitment to support long-term programs that address housing insecurity among veterans. The initiative will focus not only on providing shelter but also on tackling the root causes of veteran homelessness through wraparound support services and coordinated care.
“This investment reaffirms our longstanding commitment to those who have served and recognizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to end homelessness among veterans,” Cloud said ahead of the event.
The renaming of Building #9 pays tribute to Hassell’s decades of service to the Brighton Marine community. Known for his deep compassion and unwavering dedication, Hassell has become a pillar of support for countless veterans and their families.
The event is expected to draw a wide range of attendees, including local leaders such as Massachusetts Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, State Representatives Michael Moran, Kevin Honan, Joseph McGonagle, and Jeffrey Turco, as well as former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld and former Congressman Frank Guinta.
Veterans who have received housing and healthcare support through Brighton Marine will also be in attendance to mark the occasion.
The dedication ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7.
