AG New England Provides Warmth to
Homeless New Hampshire Veterans

Barefoot in 20-degree weather with only the clothes on his back, the highly decorated veteran of the South Pacific found himself homeless in the land he fought to protect. It wasn’t until he crossed the threshold of 75 West Baker Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, that he found long-overdue respect, warmth, and shelter. This is just one of the stories told by residents of Liberty House, the non-profit veterans’ assistance organization dedicated to providing transitional housing as well as medical and job assistance.

When AG New England found out what Liberty House needed, employees began donating gloves, boots, hats, and winter coats. Within days a mound of outerwear was presented to Liberty House Program Director Bill Zarakotas. “These items will go a long way in keeping our residents and clients warm this winter. With all the other issues they face, it’ll be nice for them not to worry about their basic need to stay warm.”

AG New England has a reputation for helping the community. Says Mike Bourgoine, President and CEO of AG New England, “We are proud to do our part in assisting our veterans. The outpouring of donations from our employees was heartwarming to see and indicative of the AG New England culture.”

Liberty House receives eighty percent of its funding from individual donations and grants from private foundations. During their stay at Liberty House, residents are part of a supportive veteran community that helps to keep them optimistic and committed to their goals. In their cozy, homey atmosphere, veterans feel like part of a family.

photo, top: (from left) AG New England’s Jim Gaudet, Chris Lyle, and Mike Bourgoine present employee-donated outerwear to (third from left) Liberty House Program Director Bill Zarakotas.

photo, middle: Just a small sample of the many outerwear items donated to Liberty House by AG New England employees.

photo, bottom: The official Liberty House van ready to transport donated outerwear items to needy veterans.