A Federal Tax Exempt 501c3 non-profit organization, the DAE Compound is in the process of creating a supportive community consisting of 36 residential cabins for veterans. The property consists of 53 acres of serene mountain land including 15 acres of pasture land bordered by a creek.
We have been working diligently to create this community, where combat veterans who suffer from PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome), TBI (traumatic brain injury), alcoholism, and self-isolation can come to live among fellow patriots. An environment such as this creates a sense of belonging and well being. No other living environment can create the camaraderie that this compound can provide.
The 53 acres are currently under contract to purchase. It is our goal to break ground on Phase 1 of the build out. Phase 1 will consist of 18 individual homes on foundations. Our community will be one home for each individual (one door, one vet).
We forecast that the 18 homes in Phase 1 will be in place and ready to occupy by the 2nd quarter of 2024.
Phase 2 will begin soon after and will be largely dependant on generous corporate, private, and faith-based organizations.
We are looking to the Blairsville community, local organizations, and private individuals to support our efforts until federal money is secured. For more information, please contact Paige Thornton or one of the board members.
My name is Paige Thornton and I am a self-proclaimed delegate for the State of Georgia for Combat Veterans.
I am currently working on a project that is very dear to my heart, called The DAE Compound. I chose this name in honor of a fallen friend, David Allen Elliott (DAE).
David Allen Elliott, 82nd Airborne, Desert Storm, was also a career law enforcement officer serving in Georgia. His flash backs, from service here on the ground and being a first responder, were as debilitating as his combat exposure.
Both were deemed responsible for causing his PTSD and eventual loss of life due to alcoholism. We know if David had been given the opportunity to live in a cohesive community like this, he would have found some peace. Hopefully, we can provide a safe haven for others like David Allen Elliott.
David Allen Elliott on horseback while serving in Law Enforcement
The DAE Compound plans to model itself after the highly successful Quixote Communities in Washington State, but will differ slightly since there is already a main house in place. The cabins themselves will have more privacy than the ones at Quixote, as we have a lot more land available.
These toy soldiers went to Olympia, Orting, and Shelton, Washington, where they researched up-and-running programs that provide transitional and long-term housing for veterans.
37A Young Harris Street
Blairsville, GA 30512