Boothbay V.E.T.S. (Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter) Inc. began three years ago as a vision developed by three Boothbay region Vietnam veterans. Ed Harmon, Arthur Richardson and John Hargreaves were troubled by statistics showing as many as 13 veterans were homeless on any given night in Maine. So the trio brainstormed and developed a temporary solution for a longstanding problem. They constructed a trailer to serve as temporary shelter while vets waited for government housing paperwork. The trio learned it often takes two weeks for the paperwork’s completion.  

The prototype turned into a more elaborate effort. The local veterans created V.E.T.S. Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to producing enough temporary shelters to benefit their homeless comrades. Harmon is the organization’s president. His leadership has built the organization which now has 38 mobile units around Maine. Each August, V.E.T.S. Inc. holds its annual barbecue which serves as the organization’s lone fundraiser. On Aug. 17, the barbecue, as of Aug. 19,  had raised $4,200 in donations and $450 from the silent auction. 

Since the beginning, V.E.T.S. Inc. has relied on an army of volunteers along with private financial and material contributions. But the organization is now getting a boost from Uncle Sam. After showing a prototype at a Maine veterans conference, V.E.T.S. Inc. started to attract more attention from Maine’s congressional delegation. Harmon spoke with U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, and a plan was sprung for expanding the operation. According to Harmon, the senator is working on a $339,000 federal appropriation for V.E.T.S. Inc. “That’s another 30 trailers a year we can produce,” Harmon said. “They also know this is a good operation in that every dime will go into the trailers.”

But that isn’t the only change in the past four years. V.E.T.S. Inc. has worked out a deal with two correctional facilities to provide prison labor. In January, Maine Department of Corrections authorized five inmates to train at Harmon’s Boothbay workshop. They now build temporary shelters at their correctional facility. Female inmates have also joined forces with the Boothbay operation in building shelters. “We’re now pumping out a trailer every three weeks with (their) help,” Harmon said.

Inmate assistance has been a big boost to the program. Harmon hopes the inmates’ work can earn them state trade accreditation. “They do excellent work, and I’m proud of what they have accomplished. When they get out I would be happy to provide them with a great reference,” he said. 

Another change in the annual barbecue was location. It was moved to Boothbay Common which coincided with a local craft fair. “It’s a great location right near the roundabout,” Harmon said. “The craft fair was looking for someone to sell food so it was a good match,” he said.

One thing that didn’t change was the musical entertainment. “The Volunteers” played between noon and 3 p.m. such hits as “Don’t Stop Believing,” “God Bless the USA” and “Enter Sandman.” The Volunteers have performed at all previous V.E.T.S. Inc. barbecues. “They are fantastic,” Harmon said. “They perform at events promoting veterans’ causes, and they told me this is one of their favorites.”

During the barbecue, veteran and V.E.T.S. Inc. volunteer  Chris Goodwin showed guests the new trailer’s design. The units have expanded from a single bed to a double bed and added a top bunk. “That was Ed’s idea. If the top bunk isn’t used then it can be used for storage,” Goodwin said. “The heating system is also upgraded for use during the shoulder seasons, too.”

Homeless vets are a nationwide problem. Harmon has spoken to Florida and Oregon about the Boothbay operation. “I’d go anywhere to talk about the program. Florida flied me out there, but they decided to pursue another option.” he said. Last year, Harmon reported the problem grew to over 100 homeless Maine vets on any given night. This year, the problem has escalated to over 200. Harmon points to several reasons more veterans need assistance. “It’s a multiple of sins: A spouse doesn’t always understand problems facing veterans. Alcoholism and drug abuse is another factor. These factors also impact their ability to find work and hold a job.”

V.E.T.S. Inc. has put out 44 trailers in the past three years.