CARIBOU, Maine — John T. Noble Construction in Caribou has begun groundwork for four duplexes intended to house homeless veterans, regardless of any mental health or substance abuse issues they may have.
The twist is that veterans will be able to earn an income during their stay, which United Veterans of Maine President John DeVeau hopes will empower those who fought for their country while helping them get back on their feet.
DeVeau’s veteran shelter concept began two years ago, and since then numerous local organizations have stepped up to the plate with significant financial contributions. Just this year, local news studio WAGM-TV held a telethon raising over $45,000 for the shelter, and Farm Credit East also donated $10,000 to help the project.
The shelter will be named the Dahlgren-Skidgel Farm of Hope, after Congressional Medal of Honor recipients Edward Dahlgren of Perham and Donald Skidgel of Caribou.
DeVeau said during a July 15 groundbreaking ceremony that the next phase of the project will be an Oct. 14 open house for the four duplexes.
