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 a safe and supportive community for U.S. Veterans. This is a remarkable village that helps to heal men and women from years of homelessness.” Wayman added, “We are proud to report that we have had 100% occupancy since we opened and our veteran residents are benefiting from being so close to the Togus VA Medical Center. Models like this prove that ending veteran homelessness in Maine can be achieved in the next decade!”
Congressman Golden, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, took time during the tour to speak with several residents and fellow veterans. For one resident, Tim Buckmore, it was a reunion of sorts. Mr. Buckmore presented then Rep. Golden, the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition’s Elizabeth H. Mitchell award in 2018. During his visit, the Congressman also presented a United State flag that has been flown over the Capitol to Cabin in the Woods. There will be a flag raising ceremony later this year.
In Congress, Golden has continued to prioritize improving care and services for his fellow veterans. Last year, he helped pass legislation, now law, that expands the VA services available to many Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. He is also leading efforts to improve care at Togus VA, including advocating for new long-term beds to provide substance abuse and mental health care at the facility.