Volunteer-built B.C. cabins safe haven for those with PTSD

Construction is underway in Prince George, B.C., where community members sympathetic to Canada's veteran military and first responders are building asafe haven for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Using local charitable donations of labour and materials, the Honour House Society is working with volunteers to build a two bedroom cabin, intended as a quiet place for those who need it.

"Men and women that need help ... After deployment, through a transition with post-traumatic stress ... This is why the ranch is going to play a key role," said Allan De Genova, president of the Honour House Society, which helps veterans and first responders.

The plan is to construct up to 10of the cabins throughout B.C., then transport them to aranch in theKamloopsarea, where they will be used for Honour House's PTSDprogram.

Tim Armstrong, chief ofNew Westminster Fire and Rescue,has been with Honour House almost since its inception in 2011.

He said the idea of building the PTSD cabins arose overa year ago after the society realized itneeded to create a safe retreat for first responders and military service people.

Armstrong said Honour House staff went to communities throughout B.C. and challenged people there to build the cabins. The hope is that, through the shared construction work, community members will connect with veterans and come to understand their sacrifice.

"We think that when a community takes on a project like this, everybody gets involved and everybody will benefit from it," said Armstrong.

"The idea is to truck these [cabins]down at a specified date, and we'll create a village overnight."

'In perpetuity'

Once the Honour Ranch is completed, it will be used to offerclinical counselling services in a non-traditional setting, said De Genova.

He said Honour House has secured funding for the program through B.C. Housing and other parties, so those suffering from PTSDcan rely on Honour House "in perpetuity."

"We have a home away from home that will be here," said De Genova. "Military and all first responders don't have to worry ... We'll always be here to look after our men and women that need that help. The ranch will carry on."

He said with the funding secured, the top priority is gettingthe cabins built.

Each cabin will be named after the community that built them. The first is to be called Prince George House. DeGenovasaid volunteers in Vancouver, New Westminster, Richmond andBurnabyhave expressed interest in building their own cabins.

With files from Colin Slark