Helping Hands hopes to build House of Healing in county

By ROSS FLINT - rflint@shelbynews.com I Posted: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 6:00 am
The third annual Military Appreciation Night at Morristown High School is aiming at its continued goal of making a House of Healing possible in Shelby County.
Helping Hands for Freedom didn't quite reach its goal of $3.5 million earlier this year in its Walk Across America fundraising efforts. So organizers are hoping the basketball doubleheader featuring M01Tistown and Waldron high schools, along with other fundraisers, get them closer to eventually bringing a House of Healing to the county.
Communications Director Paul Gable said while their goal this summer wasn't reached, they have companies from across the country who have expressed interest in donating services and goods "to lower the cost."
"I have to be honest, I don't care who you cheer for, come out that night if for no other reason than to hear the story of U.S. Marines Cpl. Matthew Bowman who lost both legs from an JED blast and coaches high school wrestling in Lafayette," Gable said.
The girls' game starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 9, with the boys' to follow.
Gold Star families from Shelby County will be honored as part of the ceremony, Gable said.
"Men and women like (Bowman) are why we can play a game, walk across America and have a dream for a house of healing and PTSD Center," he said. "The sad thing is I wish we didn't have to fundraise for this, but the sad reality is we lose 22 vets a day to suicide and we fail to help these men and women when they return from the hells of war. We want to build this facility to give them a place to get away and put the pieces of their lives back together."
Helping Hands is looking for 26 - 43 acres of land to build the house in Shelby County. No specific sites have been chosen and Gable said a farmer who wanted to donate land "would be a nice write off."
The organization has support from local politicians including Mayor Tom DeBaun, who was one of the first people on board with bringing the house to the county, along with Sen. Mike Crider, Sen. Jim Merritt and Rep. Sean Eberhart. They have also met with Governor-elect Eric Holcomb's staff and are planning on meeting again in the new year.
Gable is hoping to build the house in Shelby County because the Heroes Gala is here each year.
Locations in Kentucky, Kansas and Arizona have also expressed interest for the house being built there.
Wristbands are also available for a donation at Crosstown Bar and Grill in Shelbyville.
Gable said the organization has other fundraising events in the works next year, including a golf outing. "I do want to take a moment and say thanks to everyone who donated this year," he said. "We got quite a few new people and schools involved and St. Joe and Waldron Elementary along with Morristown have been great. We've got great support and big things are coming in 2017."