Arthur B. Huot Veterans Housing
Our New Homeless Veterans Housing Dedicated in Saco.
The Honorable Senator Susan M. Collins was the Keynote Speaker.
Volunteers of America Northern New England recently celebrated the official dedication of the Arthur B. Huot Veterans Housing.
The Arthur B. Huot Veterans Housing provides 10 efficiency apartments at 333 Lincoln Street in Saco, Maine for veterans who are homeless. This project is designed to serve veterans who are in need of stable housing and additional services to become independent is able to secure the resources needed to secure long-term, stable housing. The major dedication sponsor was General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. Additional event funding was generously provided by Paquin & Carroll Insurance.
According to June Koegel, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Northern New England, "Dedicating this building and all that it represents the day before Veteran's Day is a well-deserving tribute to all Maine veterans - both men and women who have served their country with pride and courage. It is a major step to help ensure that veterans can live in safety and maintain their dignity and worth as individuals. And, at Volunteers of America we believe they deserve nothing less. We are honored that Senator Susan M. Collins was able to join us as the Keynote Speaker based on her leadership and enthusiastic support of veterans and their changing needs."
"Our valued partnerships with the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, MaineHousing provided the majority of the funding for this program," added Koegel. "However, we still had a funding gap. Thanks to the generosity of the following organizations, we were able to secure much of the additional funding and complete and launch the program. They include: Bangor Savings Bank Foundation; Elmina B. Sewall foundation; Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution; Sam L. Cohen Foundation; Lucia Kimball Deering Trust; Maine Pooled Disability Trust; Mechanical Systems Engineers; Robert Foster, Architect; Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2, Sanford, Maine; SRG Engineering and Swiftcurrent Engineering Services. Additional funding is still needed. There are opportunities if you and/or your organization would like to help. Please contact Patricia Murtagh at (207) 373-1140 ext. 221 or pat.murtagh@voanne.org."
"To date, the project has brought $1.5 million into the Maine economy. We are grateful for the trust and invaluable support provided by these good friends." Koegel added.
The York American Legion Color Guard raised the flag and Donald Lauzier, VP, Saco & Biddeford Savings Bank and a good friend of area veterans played the Star Spangled Banner on the trumpet. Speakers included:
June Koegel, President and CEO, Volunteers of America Northern New England
Jatrice Martel Gaiter, Executive Vice President of External Affairs, Volunteers of America, national office
Brian Stiller, Department Director VHA, Department of Veterans Affairs
Dale McCormick, Director, MaineHousing
Robin Shepard, Maine Veterans Services
Amy Huot Oulette, MD, representing Arthur B. Huot's family
General Wallace H. Nutting, Ret.
The Honorable Senator Susan M. Collins was Keynote Speaker
Volunteers of America staff will work closely with partners from the Veteran Administration, local veterans' services, Veterans Benefit Administration and other community agencies to provide a continuum of services to meet the needs of veterans. This will include providing programs and case plans that target a variety of needs for healthcare, supervision and support, nutrition, medication management, recreation, social skill building, skill acquisition and retention and other supportive services. Treatment for alcohol/drug addiction or mental plans will be included based on an individual's treatment goals.
Volunteers of America currently operates programs throughout the country designed to assist veterans with recovery from homelessness. Through our therapeutic community, veterans are provided with support and assistance as they work to address these concerns and plan for a future that allows for self-sufficiency, independence and positive development.