CARIBOU, Maine — With overwhelming support from the community, United Veterans of Maine have been working on a homeless veterans shelter for the past two years, and UVM President John DeVeau informed Caribou City Council that the grand opening will be held on Saturday, April 15 at 1 p.m.
Located where Phil’s Florist formerly stood, the Dahlgren-Skidgel Farm of Hope will house five homeless veterans while giving them an opportunity to work, earn money, and get back on their feet.
“The concept is to re-utilize the five greenhouses currently on the property,” said DeVeau, adding that the first will open in May.
The main building, where the floral shop itself was located, will be used as an administrative hub for the farm. DeVeau said this aspect of the project is nearing completion.
“We’re going to build duplexes for individual homeless residents to reside,” DeVeau continued. “Steve (Wentworth) will have more technical information at the grand opening, but we are looking to continue working with the planning board as well as City Council with this project.”
The UVM president extended an invitation to council members to attend the mid-April opening of the main building.
Mayor Gary Aiken asked how many units UVM plans to construct. “It depends on the need,” said DeVeau. “I’m sure the need will outstretch the ability,” Aiken commented.
“Well, 13 vets were counted as being homeless in 2016,” DeVeau said. “Seven received service at the shelter in Presque Isle while seven did not. The numbers are still there. We find that we’re not taking away from the shelter, but adding in our ability to specifically service veterans in Aroostook County.”
Aiken commented on the overwhelming success of the organization’s recent fundraiser, in which they raised over $45,000 for the project.
“It turned out really well,” DeVeau said. “My projections were way off.”
“It’s an excellent project,” Aiken commented. “I hope everything works out well.”
