In These Times: Help for Veterans and Their Families
By Tina Sotis, Managing Editor
July 2026
In this month’s edition of In These Times, resources for veterans and their families in Berkshire County are offered. Explore this list of valuable benefits for healthcare, housing, financial assistance, employment, and other essential support.
Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center
5 Cheshire Road, Suite 128, Pittsfield
(413) 448-6052 • berkshireveterans.org
A good first call for benefits and paperwork assistance.
The Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center helps veterans and families access VA benefits and services, including disability claims, healthcare enrollment, pensions, housing, legal referrals, military records, Veteran ID cards, and a free weekly food and clothing pantry. All services are free.
Local Veterans’ Service Officers (VSOs)
Contact your town hall for local VSO information. Help accessing state and federal benefits.
A Veterans’ Service Officer serves every Massachusetts town. VSOs help veterans, spouses, and dependents apply for benefits, file claims, and access emergency assistance programs. They are often the gateway to many state and federal benefits.
Massachusetts Chapter 115 Benefits
A little-known financial safety net.
Chapter 115 benefits can help eligible veterans and their dependents with daily living expenses, rent, housing emergencies, medical costs, behavioral health services, and homelessness prevention. Many veterans are unaware that this program exists. Applications are made through your local VSO.
Pittsfield VA Clinic
78 Center Street, Pittsfield
(413) 499-2672
Healthcare, close to home.
The Pittsfield VA Clinic provides primary care, mental health services, PTSD treatment, immunizations, social work services, and referrals to specialty care throughout the VA system.
Employment and Training Assistance
160 North Street, Pittsfield
(413) 499-2220
Support for veterans entering or re-entering the workforce.
Veterans receive priority service through MassHire Berkshire Career Center. Staff can assist with job searches, resumes, career transitions, training opportunities, and employment referrals.
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential help, 24 hours a day.
Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA healthcare to use this service. Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255, or visit the Veterans Crisis Line online. Support is available for veterans, service members, and their families. veteranscrisisline.net
A Final Note
Many veterans mistakenly believe combat service is required for VA benefits. It isn't. Eligible veterans—and often spouses, survivors, caregivers, and dependents—may qualify for healthcare, housing, education, financial assistance, and more. If you're unsure where to start, contact the Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center or your local Veterans Service Officer.
Website for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: