POLK TOWNSHIP -- It’s been a year since an organization in the Pocono opened its doors to help homeless vets.
Homeless veterans have called this transformed hotel home over the past year. The old Jonas Hotel opened as Paul’s House in Polk Township one year ago.
Founder Mark Baylis worked hard to make it a reality.
"A lot of work, a lot of work, people brought this place back from the dead,” said Baylis.
It’s now a place where homeless vets like Dennis and his sidekick Sergeant can get back on their feet, learn life skills, and get the help they need like never before.
"Actually, I feel like human again. Because when you first get out, they don't really acclimate you back into the civilian population. They just kind of open the cage and kick you out,” said Navy veteran Dennis Carosi.
There have been 33 veterans who have graduated from Paul’s House, successfully moving into housing of their own.
The dramatic transformation that Paul's House has made just over this past year is mostly thanks to donations from the community, other veterans, and lots of volunteers.
In April, lawn and garden tools were donated to Paul’s House. Another veteran built a barbecue pit to honor his father who died in the Vietnam War.
"People took ownership of this place. The community got an attachment to it and they came out in spades,” said Baylis.
Veteran Harry Phillips from Mount Cobb says he feels right at home.
"It just makes everything so much easier here. They're so friendly the guys that come through for the program. You form camaraderie with them,” said Phillips.
Harry has been overcoming drug and alcohol addictions. Now he needs a new liver and says he wouldn’t be able to make it without the folks at Paul’s House.
"I would have been back in the woods, back under bridges or in the woods or bouncing around with friends,” said Phillips.