Veteran services officer spells out benefits help, housing focus and where to find the VSO

Jacel Franco, the veteran services officer for the District of Central Massachusetts, described the practical help the VSO provides to veterans and families: reading and explaining VA letters, assisting with benefit forms and connecting residents to housing-prevention and rehousing resources. Franco said municipalities have veteran services under a "statute of the Commonwealth," and that the Commonwealth had held a public hearing to update veterans benefits regulations for the first time in 22 years.

Franco detailed how residents can access help: the District covers Northborough, Shrewsbury, Grafton and Westborough; she said she is in Westborough on Thursdays and Fridays (town hall, first floor across from the tax office) and that the district posts a schedule online and on the office door. "If you call the VA and you still feel that you don't understand, at least to me, call me and I can help you understand," she said, inviting veterans to bring notices or paperwork to the VSO for assistance.

Why it matters: Franco emphasized housing as a current priority for veterans’ services and urged callers to present their specific situations so staff can identify concrete options and benefits. She also noted that the recent regulations review signals evolving Commonwealth support for local veteran services.