PLYMOUTH – The Laconia Lodge of Elks 876 made a $6,000 donation to Harbor Care to assist with critical dental care for vulnerable veterans living in Plymouth.

Harbor Care’s Veterans FIRST program operates a 30-unit permanent housing complex at Boulder Point in Plymouth dedicated to veterans who have experienced or are at-risk of homelessness. Because dental care is not currently a benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, nearly all of the 30 veteran residents at Boulder Point need care. Many have deferred such treatment for years.

In 2021, Harbor Care launched a dental clinic within its community health center. The donation by the Laconia Lodge of Elks 876 will help provide these veterans with much needed care.

“We are so grateful to the Elks for their incredible commitment to our veterans and helping to provide this important service,” states David Tille, Harbor Care’s director of veteran services. “This donation will be extremely helpful in improving, the health, wellbeing, and self-esteem of our veterans at Boulder Point.”

According to Lisa Sauceda, District Deputy of the Laconia Elks, there is a passion for supporting veterans that is held by the Elks nationally, reflected in their mantra: “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”

Drawing on decades of experience, Harbor Care helps at-risk families solve some of life’s most challenging issues, particularly those that lead to homelessness. Harbor Care provides housing and integrated healthcare to help 5,000 people annually live healthy, successful lives. Harbor Care is the largest supplier of supportive housing in New Hampshire, and, in its primary service area (Greater Nashua), the nonprofit organization has effectively ended homelessness among veterans and people with HIV/AIDs. Harbor Care also operates the state’s only health center for the homeless, with medical care, dental services, substance use treatment, and mental healthcare offered to all in need, regardless of ability to pay for services. Its Veterans FIRST program serves 450 veterans each year and is the largest service provider in NH for veterans, outside of the VA. For more information, visit harborcarenh.org.

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