Medford Introduces Veteran-housing Incentive Program

MEDFORD, MA — The City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance to fund a program that would offer landlords up to $750 annually for renting property to qualified veterans.

The incentive program is slated to operate through Housing Families, a nonprofit organization. Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said the ordinance is an effort to ensure that veterans are supported in a housing market that is limited. She named Veterans Services’ Director Veronica Shaw and City Council member Matt Leming as driving forces behind making the ordinance a reality.

“There are hundreds of veterans living in Massachusetts who are experiencing homelessness. Ending veteran homelessness is a crucial step toward honoring the sacrifices made by those who have served our country,” Shaw said. “This landlord initiative encourages rental opportunities for veterans and not only supports them but also contributes to a stronger Medford.”

The Veterans’ Services Office will work with Housing Families to identify resident veterans in need of housing and connect them with landlords who have available units for rent. If a unit is rented to a qualified Medford veteran, the landlord will be given a check.