Veterans in Transition

The Veterans Transition house is non-profit and provides shelter and supportive services to veteran's who are homeless or who are dealing with addiction. In the last month, two veterans have died from overdoses at the VTH. This piece takes a look at life inside the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. The VTH is currently housed at the rectory of the former St. John's Church on County Street while a new facility is being built. PHOTOS PETER PEREIRA
After an early morning (5am) wake up, David McCarthy, an Air Force veteran prays on his bed at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. The Veterans Transition house is non-profit and provides shelter and supportive services to veteran's who are homeless or who are dealing with addiction. In the last month, two veterans have died from overdoses at the VTH. This piece takes a look at life inside the Veterans Transition House. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
1 1009525991 manbVTH After an early morning (5am) wake up, David McCarthy, an Air Force veteran prays on his bed at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA.
The Veterans Transition house is non-profit and provides shelter and supportive services to veteran's who are homeless or who are dealing with addiction. In the last month, two veterans have died from overdoses at the VTH. This piece takes a look at life inside the Veterans Transition House. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 After an early morning (5am) wake up, David McCarthy, an Air Force veteran prays on his bed at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. The Veterans Transition house is non-profit and provides shelter and supportive services to veteran's who are homeless or who are dealing with addiction. In the last month, two veterans have died from overdoses at the VTH. This pice takes a look at life inside the Veterans Transition House. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
2 1009525991 manbVTH After an early morning (5am) wake up, David McCarthy, an Air Force veteran prays on his bed at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA.
The Veterans Transition house is non-profit and provides shelter and supportive services to veteran's who are homeless or who are dealing with addiction. In the last month, two veterans have died from overdoses at the VTH. This pice takes a look at life inside the Veterans Transition House. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Army veteran and resident Ray Boudreau, chips in by mopping the floors on the third floor at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
3 1009525991 manbVTH Army veteran and resident Ray Boudreau, chips in by mopping the floors on the third floor at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Army veteran and resident, Bill O'Connor, sits on an empty bed waiting for his turn in the shared bathroom at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
4 1009525991 manbVTH Army veteran and resident, Bill O'Connor, sits on an empty bed waiting for his turn in the shared bathroom at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA.
A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
After an early morning (5am) wake up, David McCarthy, an Air Force veteran writes in his daily journal early in the morning before anyone else is up at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. The Veterans Transition house is non-profit and provides shelter and supportive services to veteran's who are homeless or who are dealing with addiction. In the last month, two veterans have died from overdoses at the VTH. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
5 1009525991 manbVTH After an early morning (5am) wake up, David McCarthy, an Air Force veteran writes in his daily journal early in the morning before anyone else is up at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA.
The Veterans Transition house is non-profit and provides shelter and supportive services to veteran's who are homeless or who are dealing with addiction. In the last month, two veterans have died from overdoses at the VTH. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 With his locker open, Joe Cosby, marines, receives a text message from his brother informing him that he has been diagnosed with leukemia. Joe is one of the residetns of the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled to be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
6 1009525991 manbVTH With his locker open, Joe Cosby, marines, receives a text message from his brother informing him that he has been diagnosed with leukemia. Joe is one of the residetns of the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled to be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Army veteran, Ronald Yurkvievich stands attention during roll call in the morning at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
7 1009525991 manbVTH Army veteran, Ronald Yurkvievich stands attention during roll call in the morning at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Nayy veterans and roomates, Mike Silvia, left, prepares to put away a puzzle he has recently completed while Steve Viveiros, right, gets ready to do laundry, inside their shared room at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford which is currently located inside the former rectory of the St John the Baptist church on County Street in New Bedford. The church, which was the first Portuguese catholic church in the United States, has been unoccupied since 2012. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
8 1009525991 manbVTH Nayy veterans and roomates, Mike Silvia, left, prepares to put away a puzzle he has recently completed while Steve Viveiros, right, gets ready to do laundry, inside their shared room at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford which is currently located inside the former rectory of the St John the Baptist church on County Street in New Bedford. The church, which was the first Portuguese catholic church in the United States, has been unoccupied since 2012. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
Russell, a staff member and former veteran himself, checks on the list of names that were not present for the morning roll call at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
9 1009525991 manbVTH Russell, a staff member and former veteran himself, checks on the list of names that were not present for the morning roll call at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Upon waking up, Navy veteran, Steve Viveiros, sits on his bed after working the night shift at the Harborview Hotel in New Bedford, MA. Steve is one of the residents at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA who are trying to get back on their feet. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
10 1009525991 manbVTH Upon waking up, Navy veteran, Steve Viveiros, sits on his bed after working the night shift at the Harborview Hotel in New Bedford, MA. Steve is one of the residents at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA who are trying to get back on their feet. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Mike Silvia and fellow veterans living at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford listen to a guest speaker tell his story of his battle with PTSD and addiction. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
11 1009525991 manbVTH Mike Silvia and fellow veterans living at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford listen to a guest speaker tell his story of his battle with PTSD and addiction. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Army veteran, Ray Boudreau, picks up his wallet after making his bed at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. Like his fellow residents of the VTH, Ray has had to deal with homelessness and is trying to get back on his feet. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
12 1009525991 manbVTH Army veteran, Ray Boudreau, picks up his wallet after making his bed at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. Like his fellow residents of the VTH, Ray has had to deal with homelessness and is trying to get back on his feet. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
Mike Silvia gives new resident, Matt Thibodeau a tour of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. Mike is one of the longest residents of the VTH at 16 months, while Matt, an Army veteran, is the latest to arrive. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
13 1009525991 manbVTH Mike Silvia gives new resident, Matt Thibodeau a tour of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. Mike is one of the longest residents of the VTH at 16 months, while Matt, an Army veteran, is the latest to arrive. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Navy veteran, Steve Viveiros, goes for a smoke outside of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford after putting his laundry in the machine. The VTH is currently located inside the former rectory of the St John the Baptist church on County Street in New Bedford which was the first Portuguese catholic church in the United States, and has been unoccupied since 2012. Steve who has been living at the VTH for the last six months, is trying to get back on his feet, and has recently found a job working at a local hotel. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
14 1009525991 manbVTH Navy veteran, Steve Viveiros, goes for a smoke outside of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford after putting his laundry in the machine. The VTH is currently located inside the former rectory of the St John the Baptist church on County Street in New Bedford which was the first Portuguese catholic church in the United States, and has been unoccupied since 2012. Steve who has been living at the VTH for the last six months, is trying to get back on his feet, and has recently found a job working at a local hotel. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Navy veteran, Steve Viveiros, who has recently found a job, heads out of the door of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. Like the other residents of the VTH, Steve has dealt with plenty of adversity before being given a chance to get back on his feet. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
15 1009525991 manbVTH Navy veteran, Steve Viveiros, who has recently found a job, heads out of the door of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. Like the other residents of the VTH, Steve has dealt with plenty of adversity before being given a chance to get back on his feet. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 David McCarthy, an Air Force veteran takes his prescribed medication inside an office at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. The Veterans Transition house is non-profit and provides shelter and supportive services to veteran's who are homeless or who are dealing with addiction. In the last month, two veterans have died from overdoses at the VTH. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
16 1009525991 manbVTH David McCarthy, an Air Force veteran takes his prescribed medication inside an office at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA.
The Veterans Transition house is non-profit and provides shelter and supportive services to veteran's who are homeless or who are dealing with addiction. In the last month, two veterans have died from overdoses at the VTH. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
Director Jim Reed, left, checks in with CFO Jason Stripinis and Monica Robitaille at the Veterans Transition House office currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
17 1009525991 manbVTH Director Jim Reed, left, checks in with CFO Jason Stripinis and Monica Robitaille at the Veterans Transition House office currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Executive director, Jim Reid, is seen in his office putting plans together for the new facility that will be built. The Veterans Transition House is currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
18 1009525991 manbVTH Executive director, Jim Reid, is seen in his office putting plans together for the new facility that will be built. The Veterans Transition House is currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Executive director, Jim Reid, is seen in with plans for the new facility that will be built. The Veterans Transition House is currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
19 1009525991 manbVTH Executive director, Jim Reid, is seen in with plans for the new facility that will be built. The Veterans Transition House is currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Joe Cosby, marines, sits on his bunk as he receives a text message from his brother informing him that he has been diagnosed with leukemia. Joe is one of the residetns of the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled to be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
20 1009525991 manbVTH Joe Cosby, marines, sits on his bunk as he receives a text message from his brother informing him that he has been diagnosed with leukemia. Joe is one of the residetns of the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled to be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
Steve Viveiros, makes his bed after getting up in the morning after working the night shift at the hotel. Steve, an addict in recovery, lives at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford which is currently located inside the former rectory of the St John the Baptist church on County Street in New Bedford. The church, which was the first Portuguese catholic church in the United States, has been unoccupied since 2012. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
21 1009525991 manbVTH Steve Viveiros, makes his bed after getting up in the morning after working the night shift at the hotel. Steve, an addict in recovery, lives at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford which is currently located inside the former rectory of the St John the Baptist church on County Street in New Bedford. The church, which was the first Portuguese catholic church in the United States, has been unoccupied since 2012. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Veterans gather for breakfast inside the dinning of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford. Food items are donated by Stop n Shop. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
22 1009525991 manbVTH Veterans gather for breakfast inside the dinning of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford. Food items are donated by Stop n Shop. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Mike Silvia, left, gives new resident, Matt Thibodeau a tour of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. Mike is one of the longest residents of the VTH at 16 months, while Matt, an Army veteran, is the latest to arrive. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
23 1009525991 manbVTH Mike Silvia, left, gives new resident, Matt Thibodeau a tour of the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, MA. Mike is one of the longest residents of the VTH at 16 months, while Matt, an Army veteran, is the latest to arrive. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Navy veteran, Steve Viveiros, reads the directors on the bottle of detergent as he prepares to do laundry at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford. The VTH is currently located inside the former rectory of the St John the Baptist church on County Street in New Bedford which was the first Portuguese catholic church in the United States, and has been unoccupied since 2012. Steve who has been living at the VTH for the last six months, is trying to get back on his feet, and has recently found a job working at a local hotel. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
24 1009525991 manbVTH Navy veteran, Steve Viveiros, reads the directors on the bottle of detergent as he prepares to do laundry at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford. The VTH is currently located inside the former rectory of the St John the Baptist church on County Street in New Bedford which was the first Portuguese catholic church in the United States, and has been unoccupied since 2012. Steve who has been living at the VTH for the last six months, is trying to get back on his feet, and has recently found a job working at a local hotel. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
Mike Silvia works on a fresh puzzle at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford. Mike daily works on a varity of puzzles and then glues them to cardboard backing and gives some of them to fellow veterans living at the Veterans Transition House. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
25 1009525991 manbVTH Mike Silvia works on a fresh puzzle at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford. Mike daily works on a varity of puzzles and then glues them to cardboard backing and gives some of them to fellow veterans living at the Veterans Transition House. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Veterans exit the front door with a bag in hand as he prepares to head home for the weekend. The Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
26 1009525991 manbVTH Veterans exit the front door with a bag in hand as he prepares to head home for the weekend. The Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA.
A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 A veteran reads from a book during the 9am meditation session held inside the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
27 1009525991 manbVTH A veteran reads from a book during the 9am meditation session held inside the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA.
A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Melissa Mann, kitchen manager, gets a hand from a veteran in bringing in the food donations given by the local Stop n Shop to the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
28 1009525991 manbVTH Melissa Mann, kitchen manager, gets a hand from a veteran in bringing in the food donations given by the local Stop n Shop to the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA.
A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
Melissa Mann goes through the food items donated by Stop n Shop to the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
29 1009525991 manbVTH Melissa Mann goes through the food items donated by Stop n Shop to the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA.
A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Veterans listen to a speaker at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
30 1009525991 manbVTH Veterans listen to a speaker at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA.
A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
 Mike Riley, SSVF Outreach Specialist, works in his office at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA. A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA STANDARD-TIMES ]
31 M1A7759 ma_nbvetstransition Mike Riley, SSVF Outreach Specialist, works in his office at the Veterans Transition House currently housed at the rectory of the now closed St. John church on County Street in New Bedford, MA.
A new building is scheduled tol be constructed in 2019.
PHOTO PETER PEREIRA STANDARD-TIMES ]
 Army veteran Chris Azevedo gives a motivational talk to the veterans living at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA
32 1009525991 manbVTH Army veteran Chris Azevedo gives a motivational talk to the veterans living at the Veterans Transition House in New Bedford. PHOTO PETER PEREIRA