10/15/2026
With deep sadness, we learned from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), the national advocacy agency for Veterans that Mr. Ralph Cooper, a co-founder of the NCHV, passed away in September, at the age of 85.
A United States Air Force Veteran, Ralph dedicated decades to helping fellow Veterans access housing, benefits, and supportive services. He helped establish the NCHV in 1990 and was a prominent voice of leadership and advocacy here in Massachusetts in his role as Executive Director of the Veterans Benefits Clearinghouse in Roxbury, Massachusetts, which assisted Veterans and their families, with particular attention to Veterans of color. Throughout his career, Ralph remained a mentor, advocate, and friend to generations of people working to end Veteran homelessness in this nation.
The New England Center and Home for Veterans is proud to be able to carry on the legacy and work of Mr. Ralph Cooper.