News 12 at 6 o'clock / Friday, October 15, 2010

AUGUSTA---Hopes and dreams are one step closer for an Augusta facility with a mission to help veterans dealing with disabilities and drug abuse. The Hope House, Inc. in Augusta is getting nearly $400,000 in federal grant money.

Hope House fought hard to get and keep the money. The deal was almost cut, but in the end the organization listened to the community and in the process got what they wanted: a new facility.

"There's only about ten of these facilities in the United States, so this is a big deal for Augusta," said Karen Saltzman, executive director for Hope House.

It has been months of work for Saltzman, but the perseverance of the organization has paid off.

"I think everyone is on the same page now, we're ready to move forward," she said.

The new facility, offering transitional housing for up to 20 male veterans, will soon be ready now that the group has been awarded money to renovate two buildings on the Uptown VA campus. Back in April, concerns poured in over the traffic pattern on Maryland Avenue. Many who live in the area complained. Saltzman says they listened to the community and now that's all been worked out.

"As with any new facility somewhere, people have concerns, and we've answered to all those concerns," she said. "Everyone wants to do the right thing for our veterans."

While this program is aimed specifically for male veterans, Saltzman says they will be keeping in line with their core objectives and help women veterans too.

"Hope House tries to never turn anyone away. If there is a female veteran, we will refer them to our Hope House here," she added. "We are seeing so many veterans that are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan that are in need of some supportive services."

While many who objected to the renovations near Maryland Avenue said it was never about not helping the veterans, Saltzman says she's glad that misconception was cleared up before they lost the money.

"We just want to help them get back on their feet," said Saltzman. "Serving folks that have done so much for us is our goal."

As part of the solution, Hope House, Inc.will have to build a new entrance into the facility so that it doesn't disrupt traffic on Maryland Avenue.

The facility will at first house about 20 veterans in one building. Down the road the intent is to create 50 units of permanent supportive housing in the other building for veterans and possibly their family members.

The first facility is expected to be completed in mid-2011.