The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs has opened a refurbished building on its Rocky Hill campus that adds 20 units to the Patriots Landing residential program, providing temporary housing and services for veterans returning to civilian life.
What changed for residents
The new facility contains six townhouses for veterans and their families and 14 one-bedroom apartments for single veterans. The units are intended as transitional homes where residents can stay for one to two years while working with VA staff on steps toward independent living.
Commissioner Brig. Gen. Ron Welch said demand for housing remains high and noted that another 100 Connecticut service members were scheduled to return from deployment in the coming days, underscoring the need for additional space and services.
“On the darkest days of our veterans and family lives, in some cases, these facilities will provide hope for brighter days ahead, as our staff works really hard to develop a clear roadmap for independent living,” Welch said.
Who is eligible and what support is offered
Eligibility requires active military service and either being unhoused or at risk of homelessness. Residents are expected to participate in individualized plans developed with VA personnel, including social work, counseling and vocational assistance, VA Director of Residential Programs Renee Gorr said.
Gorr emphasized the program’s focus on engagement: residents must work with the team to set and pursue goals aimed at securing stable, long-term housing and employment.
- Temporary housing: typical stay of one to two years
- Wraparound services: counseling, social work, vocational support
- Priority: veterans who are unhoused or at imminent risk of homelessness
Program capacity and local context
With the latest addition, Patriots Landing’s capacity rises to accommodate more veterans and their families across Connecticut.
| Unit type | Number |
|---|---|
| Townhouses for veterans and families | 6 |
| Apartments for single veterans | 14 |
| Total Patriots Landing capacity for single veterans | 170 |
| Total Patriots Landing capacity for veterans & families | 17 |
The Rocky Hill campus traces its roots to the Civil War era and the Fitch Home, one of the nation’s oldest institutions serving veterans. Officials said Connecticut continues that legacy: there are more than 146,000 veterans in the state, and the new units aim to prevent homelessness for those in transition.
Officials also stressed that residents must take an active role in improving their circumstances, working with staff to pursue employment, housing applications and supportive services while in the program.
State and local veterans service organizations and the VA will likely coordinate referrals and outreach as additional service members return from deployment and seek housing support.
For veterans seeking information about eligibility or how to apply, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs can provide guidance and intake details through its Rocky Hill campus offices.
— Reporting for News Block
