Unbelievable organization with a noble mission to support Service Members, Veterans and their Families. I have seen firsthand the healing and comradery that results from time spent at House in the Woods. I highly recommend connecting with them.
I have been working with House in the Woods for almost 3 years now and can attest that without a doubt Paul and Dee are not only honoring their son, Fallen Hero Sgt. Joel A. House but they are saving lives. I've been on countless veteran retreats and heard first hand from many a veteran and family member that testified that the opportunity to gather together with other veterans, in the outdoors, not only impacted their lives but saved their lives. It gave them hope, connection, let them know they are seen, appreciated and loved. TOGETHER WE HEAL is our motto and that's how we do everything - TOGETHER. Our volunteers work together to ensure that our attendees have a home cooked meal, are treated fabulously, and can rest their head at night knowing they are save and appreciated. If you haven't already done so please check out our website and support if you may. We accept all veterans, all branches, all eras, including active duty military, retired and also Gold Star Family members. Thank you for your support of our military heroes.
I recently went on a Turkey Hunt with HITW. It was an amazing experience to learn about Turkey hunting and to meet the guides and people who supported this event. Paul House was such an inspiration to me. My guide Becky was so supportive and fun. I cannot begin to tell you what this trip had meant to me. I hope to be a part of future events.
I went to the House in the Woods not fully knowing what to expect. As a veteran, I knew I was in the right place but was not sure how things 'would be' because I had not been around so many other veterans in a while. I was supremely impressed by Paul House, Jim Neville and the rest of the crew who worked or volunteered their time in that house. I would not hesitate to go back and volunteer my time because from the moment I stepped in and let my guard down a little bit, it felt like family. I could not recommend highly enough.
I was one of two of the first soldiers to get to experience HITW. We got to go bear hunting and fishing on the lake everyday and also got to take a floatplane Ride. Paul House and his family treated us like we where part of his family. Great people and a great place to experience the great outdoors of Lee, Maine. Thank you HITW!
Mike Albert Volunteer
Over four years ago I got a call from a friend Jim Zumbo telling me about House in the Woods. I live in Maine and am a Vietnam Veteran however had never heard of HITW. Jim is and outdoor writer from Wyoming who helped Paul raise some money for HITW. Jim called me with a request to bring Live Lobsters to George and Terry Galliger's Camp on the lake. Since we sold Lobsters from our hardware store this was not a problem. Paul House was made a donation of a guided Moose Hunt by the Passamaquoddy Indians on their land. Paul who also knows Jim contacted him to see if he could find someone to pay for a hunt and HITW got all the money. This person paid $14,000.00 for the hunt. It was great for HITW and gave me the opportunity to meet Paul House. A year went by and I could not get HITW out of my head and wondered what I could do to help. I called Paul and he said come to one of his Bear Hunts. The great people George and Terry opened their home on the lake to all the Vets and others who came. I ended up helping them cook, washed dishes, cooked Lobsters and even went with George to the Dump. Nice man who let HITW use their home on the lake for six years until he passed away last year. I have helped on three different Moose hunts so far and have made some good friends from some of the guides to the Vets who attended the hunts. I still wanted to do more for HITW and got a group together to put on a Golf Scramble at Martindale Country Club in Auburn, Maine on May 22nd this year. We have a great group helping. One is a man who lost his son in Iraq six years ago three Vets and a owner of a car dealership. We all see the great things HITW is doing and with the new Lodge they are just getting started and will do so much more. I will continue to do what I can to help. When you spend a week with Vets that get so much from spending time with others who can understand what they may have gone through and see how happy they are even if they may suffer from PTSD, missing legs or arms. I always get a great feeling doing what I can to help. I find myself watching an smiling a lot seeing the good coming from the Active Duty and Vets and their families who spend time at HITW.
HITWVeterans 01/12/2017
Mike, You are such an unselfish volunteer that you are a great role model for both Paul and me. You have helped with behind the scenes tasks like cooking or going to the dump, yet your leadership on this golf tournament clearly demonstrates your ability to do so many necessary things. Thanks for helping our veterans.
House In The Woods is a great organization designed to help veterans and their families. I became aware of the organization by watching Welcome To Lee, Maine, a movie about the town of Lee and two Gold Star families that live in the town. After watching the movie, I knew I needed to help them in any way possible. The company I work for has done several fundraisers and will continue to help them in any way possible. I was fortunate enough to experience what they do first hand, as my Dad and I went on a fishing trip with them. I was amazed at the healing atmosphere experienced on the trip. I knew it was a good program, but after experiencing it first hand, I am a true believer in the program.
HITWVeterans 01/12/2017
Thanks, SMoulton. You have been an awesome participant and volunteer.
Approximately two years ago one of my clients, Rich a resident of Maine, advised me of a project which he knew would interest me. (Rich is a Vietnam veteran). He sent me a video link to watch of the House in the Woods pre-construction site when it was basically an area in the woods of Maine where some trees had been cleared, where stood Paul House explaining his vision for a retreat for veterans, explaining his inspiration came after losing his son in Iraq in 2007.
In July 2016 Rich asked me if I would work with him to raise some funds and, at the same time, make more veterans aware of this new retreat. He sent his plane and pilot to Plymouth, MA to fly me to Maine where I was invited to House in the Woods to meet with Dee and Paul House.
The day I toured the lodge the HVAC system was being installed and sheetrock was being delivered the following day. Since then much has been accomplished at the construction site. It is getting very exciting!
I’ve always been an advocate for the veterans. My son Marc joined the Corps as a member of the 3rd RECON Unit and remains a steadfast Marine. Many of my family and friends served, some in Vietnam and some in Korea. One of grandsons will be leaving for the Army within weeks. Sadly, my sister’s grandson, Matt Bean of Pembroke, MA was also KIA in Iraq June 2007. Matt was 22 years old.
My goal is to make a large group of people aware of the need to financially support this great retreat for all veterans from all wars/conflicts, from every state in the United States and those who are actively serving.
HITWVeterans 01/12/2017
Thanks, BrenFay! You may not live close but you are doing amazing things for veterans through HITW.
HITWVeterans 01/12/2017
Thanks, Ron! So much has changed since that first plane ride, but our mission stays firm to serve veterans and their families.