WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – There are currently about 1,700 homeless veterans in the state of Massachusetts.

Homeless military veterans can sometimes find a more permanent home or apartment with federal assistance, but many times those new homes come empty.

David Felty, of Homeward Vets, told 22News, “To give them the keys to the apartment is one thing. To give them the furniture and call it a home is a completely different idea.”

That idea came from Navy veteran himself, David Felty. He helped form Homeward Vets- a non-profit organization that collects furnishings from residents or businesses to help veterans establish their homes. Felty says it helps keep veterans from returning to a life of homelessness.

Felty: “In my mind it has helped with the veterans not falling back into remission with drug use or alcohol abuse or you know many have mental health or PTSD issues and I think having stuff like this and having a place you can actually call your home is definitely a very rewarding experience for them and as well for me.”

Whether it be a toaster, cookware, or couch, every bit stacked up Saturday at Stanley Park in Westfield to make a big difference.

Chris Chistolini, a volunteer at Homeward Vets, explained to 22News, “It’s just a sad situation that these veterans who worked and gave their service to the country and they get nothing for it. They’re virtually ignored. They should be supported as well they can and we’re doing our part.”

Since Homeward Vets started in 2012, they have helped furnish the homes of over 400 local veterans, all for free.

To find out where you can make a donation to Homeward Vets you can log onto our website wwlp.com (www.homewardvets.org)