The approval clears the way for Volunteers of America to build cabins for homeless veterans on the Togus campus. Officials from Chelsea and Volunteers of America have reached an agreement on taxes for the Cabin in the Woods project, clearing the way for a new type of housing for homeless veterans. The project, which will build permanent housing for veterans who are homeless or on the verge of being so on the VA Maine Healthcare Systems—Togus campus in Chelsea, will make annual payments of $5,000 for 15 years in lieu of taxes. Bill Butler, the code enforcement officer for the…

Cabin in the Woods: Construction begins early 2017 “We can’t believe a program like this is being built. We need it in Maine. We need it everywhere!,” said a WWII Veteran at a recent American Legion dinner, “Vets, especially senior and disabled vets, need and deserve our help. They put their lives on the line for us.” These are words we are hearing everywhere as news spreads about a spring 2017 groundbreaking for our Cabin in the Woods program. We have a 75 year lease from Togus for 11 acres of wooded land, and final, approved drawings from Portland architect…

AUGUSTA, Maine — Lawmakers on the Legislature’s Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee on Thursday gave unanimous support to a bill that would provide up to $1 million in state funds to help launch a project that would build up to 21 cabins for homeless veterans. The bill, LD 1062, sponsored by Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, is meant to jump-start the Cabin in the Woods project, which is being headed by Volunteers of America and would be located on the Veterans Administration Togus medical campus, which sits on land in Augusta and Chelsea. The amendment is aimed at allaying concerns from…

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Volunteers of America break ground for veterans’ housing Portland Press Herald story The $4.2 million Cabin in the Woods project will build 22 cabins for homeless veterans. Dignitaries toss a ceremonial shovel of dirt at the Cabin in the Woods groundbreaking on Friday at VA Maine Healthcare Systems-Togus. Staff photo by Joe Phelan The $4.2 million Cabin in the Woods project will build 22 cabins for homeless veterans. CHELSEA — Joseph Robichaud traveled from Biddeford to be a part of the Volunteers of America celebration Friday morning as officials broke ground for the Cabin in the Woods project. In the…

Congressman Jared Golden returns to visit veterans at Cabin in the Woods on Veteran’s Day November 11, 2020 – Chelsea, Maine. Volunteers of America Northern New England welcomed Congressman Jared Golden (D-Maine) to Cabin in the Woods on Veteran’s Day. This was a return visit for the Congressman who has been a strong proponent of the Cabin in the Woods since the start. “No Maine veteran should have to experience homelessness. Cabin in the Woods and other programs across our state are working hard to make that future a reality,” said Congressman Golden. “It was my honor to spend Veterans…

Congressman Jared Golden visits with fellow veterans at Cabin in the Woods Volunteers of America Northern New England welcomed Congressman Jared Golden (D-Maine) to Cabin in the Woods on Saturday. Congressman Golden has been a strong proponent of the Cabin in the Woods project since sponsoring LD 1062, Housing for Homeless Veterans, in 2014. President and CEO of Volunteers of America Northern New England, Rich Hooks Wayman, discussed the level of comfort that the residents feel in their homes as well as the need for more services provided to our veterans. “We built these homes with the hope of creating…

Volunteers of America Northern New England welcomed U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie to Cabin in the Woods. President and CEO of Volunteers of America Northern New England, Rich Hooks Wayman, provided an update on how the project has been received in the community as well as the status of the veterans living there. “Volunteers of America is proud of our work with service men and women at Cabin in the Woods. We were delighted to host Senator Susan Collins and Secretary Wilkie this week and remain humbled and appreciative for their close partnership and…

Volunteers of America Northern New England (VOANNE) announced today that Richard Hooks Wayman has been named the human service organization’s new president and CEO, effective May 30, 2018.  He assumes leadership from June Koegel who has led the organization since 1992. Ms. Koegel has accepted a position as Chief Operating Officer with Volunteers of America’s national office in Alexandria, Virginia, where she will oversee operations for the 33 VOA affiliates nationwide.  Ms. Koegel leaves a legacy of thirty housing and social service programs in Maine and New Hampshire. Mr. Hooks Wayman most recently served as National Executive Director of the…

View numerous stories about Camp POSTCARD’s 25th birthday that were published and broadcasted across the state! Camp POSTCARD celebrates 25 years My favorite week of the year Camp Postcard celebrates 25 years of law enforcement helping Maine kids To protect and serve … lunch Volunteers honored leaders who made the camp possible for of Maine children Smiling like a kid at summer camp Save-A-Lot donates food to Camp Postcard Camp POSTCARD gives Maine kids gift of outdoors Maine 5th and 6th graders enjoying free week of camp in Poland Camp POSTCARD: 25 years of helping Maine kids Twenty-five years later,…