Habitat for Humanity hosts 2024 Veterans Build across Chicagoland
Veteran volunteers join Habitat November 1-2 to build and repair affordable housing.
CHICAGO (October 10, 2024) — Continuing a program that has been both a local and national success, Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity is kicking off Veterans Build 2024 at seven area affiliate build sites on November 1st and 2nd, welcoming hundreds of veterans and veteran supporters to build with Habitat for Humanity and raising funding for and awareness of affordable housing and repairs for veterans. The event will kick-off on November 1st in Park Forest, featuring special guest Major Deanna “De” Love, USA, Ret., Director, Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs joining veteran volunteers to build for the day.
“While home is meant to be a place of comfort, many veterans are struggling with unexpected repairs, steep maintenance costs, and the challenge of making their homes accessible and safe,” said Major Love. “That’s why I’m excited to collaborate with Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity and volunteers for the Veterans Build. Many of our veterans are dealing with disabilities and economic challenges that may preclude them from getting the maintenance they need to ensure their home is accessible, safe, and healthy. Veterans Build is dedicated to addressing these needs with the honor and care our veterans deserve. Their service to our country demands not only our gratitude but our action.”
Bruce, a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired Will County sheriff’s deputy, faced tough times as his home needed major repairs to the roof, sewer line, boiler and deck at the same time his granddaughter Jenesis battled leukemia. With help from DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat’s Home Repair Program, Owens Corning, and Total Roofing, Bruce’s roof and other areas of his home were repaired, including new lighting fixtures. Additionally, Habitat connected Bruce to the Jesse Brown VA for assistance with VA benefits. Now, with his home safe and comfortable, Bruce can focus on Jenesis’ recovery.
Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build program helps military-connected families to purchase homes with affordable mortgages, secure home repairs, as well as receive educational services to help prepare for successful home ownership. This year, the program celebrates a milestone with more than 10,000 veterans and their families across the U.S. partnering with Habitat to access the benefits of affordable housing.
“Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build program assists veterans looking for homeownership or home repairs, but it also engages veterans as volunteers in this work. Veterans can both help veterans, and volunteer with veterans in their community,” said Leslie Rodriguez, Veteran and Repair Programs Manager for Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, and herself a U.S. Navy veteran.
This year, over 200 volunteers from veteran organizations across the Chicagoland region will be participating to help create a world where everyone has a decent place to live, including Chicago Veterans, The Mission Continues, Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County, Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County, and Women Marines Association (IL-2) as well as corporate veteran employee groups from Behr Paint Company, Chicago Transit Authority, Ecolab, The Federal Savings Bank, Ferrara, Team Depot, Wesco, Wintrust, and Zebra Technologies. Wintrust is also the Neighborhood Builder Sponsor of the 2024 Veterans Build and regional sponsor of Habitat’s Veterans Home Repair Program in Chicagoland.
Visit www.chicagolandhabitat.org/VeteransBuild for more information or to donate to support veteran housing needs. #2024VeteransBuild