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Veterans Build 2024

With the help of volunteers, Habitat for Humanity is able to achieve its mission of helping families attain decent, affordable housing.

The annual Veterans Build in Chicagoland will be held November 1-2, 2024 at seven Habitat for Humanity affiliate build sites.

Habitat affiliates across the Chicago region are actively addressing the lack of affordable housing by partnering with military service members, their families, and veterans to help build and repair affordable housing. Habitat’s hand-up not a hand-out approach asks partner families to invest sweat-equity hours to build their home and volunteer with us.

Read More about the 2024 Veterans Build Kick-Off Event on November 1

Watch our Veterans Build video

View our Veterans Build Video to learn more about our program, our work and the volunteers that help make this work possible.
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Meet Bruce

Bruce is a combat Veteran of the US Air Force, one of the many veterans who received home repairs and new home construction with Habitat for Humanity.
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2024 Volunteer Organizations

2024 Neighborhood Builder Sponsor

2024 Sponsors

2024 Volunteer Photos

2023 Press and Video Gallery

2023 Volunteer Photos

Veterans Build Week 2021

2021 Press Gallery

2021 Veteran Build Events

Veterans Build Week 2021 Program featuring U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
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Veterans Build Week 2021: A Town Hall Conversation with Chicagoland Veterans on Affordable Housing
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Bruce

Bruce received critical home repairs through DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity

Meet Bruce – a 6-year, US Air Force combat veteran, with active service during the Gulf War in 1990-2001.  After serving his country honorably, he spent 15 years as a Will County Sheriff’s deputy until his retirement. He’s a staunch advocate for veterans and supportive of organizations such as Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Last October, Bruce’s 11-year-old granddaughter Jenesis, who lives with him and his wife, was diagnosed with leukemia and started chemotherapy therapy. At the same time, their beautiful but aging home in Thornton was struggling too, with a leaky roof leading to flooding and freezing temperatures in the winter. His family was also in dire need of plumbing work due to an outdated system of basement drain piping and deck work.

“We just wanted some aid and assistance, so we could make a nice life for her. For our kids,” said Bruce.

Thanks to DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repair Program and Repair Corps funding, Habitat partnered with Owens Corning and Total Roofing to replace Bruce’s roof and gutters. Habitat also repaired the main sewer line, installed a new boiler, added a handrail going down to the basement, repaired the dining room ceiling light, outside column, storm door handle, and deck, and installed a new kitchen light. Additionally, Bruce requested help with learning more on how to access VA benefits, and Habitat directly referred him to our partner at the Jesse Brown VA for further assistance.

And the timing couldn’t have been better. Just days before the repair started, Jenesis returned home after spending two weeks in the hospital receiving chemotherapy.

“That’s a true testament of the commitment Habitat for Humanity has for veterans. And it’s beautiful and it’s needed,” said Bruce. “And I’m sure I can speak on behalf of other vets who have received this service that we are beyond words of gratitude.”