FRANKLIN, N.H. Easterseals New Hampshire has opened the states first dedicated military and veteran campus, drawing nearly 1,000 attendees including Gov. Kelly Ayotte to a 15-acre site built to pair stable housing with on-site services. Phase One brings 29 affordable housing units and a retreat center online, with organizers framing the project as both a practical support network and a visible commitment to those who served. The design centers on proximity: living areas and services are co-located to shorten the distance between a need and the resource that meets it. The retreat component anchors early programming, with spaces intended for restorative activities and community building. Organizers highlighted offerings such as dog-assisted therapy and a rock-wall activity area aimed at improving mobility, confidence, and social connection in a supportive setting. By putting these resources within walking distance of residents, the campus reduces friction that often derails follow-through after off-site referrals. Attendees at the opening toured finished units and common areas, underscoring that the model is meant to feel lived-in rather than institutional. Funding to date totals $23 million, and Easterseals NH has launched a $40 million campaign to accelerate Phase Two. The next build-out envisions additional housing and purpose-built spaces including a recreation facility and fitness center to expand capacity and widen the menu of programs. State and local officials touted the early investment as a down payment on better outcomes: fewer gaps in care, steadier transitions to civilian life, and a stronger sense of community for veterans and their families. Advocates at the opening emphasized the value of integrating services under one banner. Instead of sending residents to scattered providers, the campus design consolidates support for housing, wellness, and social engagement. That can shorten the time from intake to tangible progress, particularly for veterans navigating benefits, employment searches, or recovery. In practice, the model aims to replace the handoff maze with a single, coordinated path. The Franklin location matters. Situated within a community that has signaled long-term support for service members, the campus is positioned to partner with regional nonprofits, instructors, and employers. Organizers expect the retreat center to host skills workshops, wellness sessions, and peer-led meetups, creating touchpoints that blend practical training with social cohesion. Early feedback from attendees suggested interest in expanding offerings as facilities come online during Phase Two. Program leaders stressed that the campus advances a simple idea: dignity through design. Affordable units provide a stable base; on-site activities reintroduce routine and purpose; and integrated services reduce the administrative burden that often stalls progress. For coaches, trainers, and community groups, the site offers a centralized place to run classes and events without asking participants to travel or juggle schedules across multiple venues. If the model scales, it could inform how other states approach veteran-centric housing paired with direct services. The opening also served as a signal to donors and civic partners. With Phase One complete, the timeline and scope of Phase Two will hinge on the success of the $40 million campaign. Easterseals NH framed the expansion as essential to meeting demand already evident at launch, pointing to the need for more units and activity spaces that can sustain year-round programming and higher throughput.