Veterans Build 2026

November 6-7, 2026

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

Habitat for Humanity of Illinois is launching the sixth annual Veterans Build on November 6–7 at seven build sites across the Chicagoland region. The event brings together veterans, volunteers, and community members to highlight the critical need for affordable housing and home repairs for military families.

The theme Service Never Ends honors the ongoing dedication of veterans—both in uniform and beyond—by turning a commitment to serve into meaningful action. Through Veterans Build, military-connected and civilian volunteers come together to build homes, complete critical repairs, and support programs that expand access to safe, affordable housing for veterans and their families.

Read More about the 2026 Veterans Build Event

2026 Volunteer Organizations

Lunch Sponsor

Get Involved

VOLUNTEER

Veteran Serving Organizations & Individual Veterans

Are you a veteran, or a member of a military-connected family? We need you! We’re seeking teams of 10 veteran volunteers.

Sign Up

Corporate Teams

Do you support veterans and want to volunteer? We need you! Sponsor your team of 10 for $2,500-$5,000 which covers the costs of materials and supplies for the home and come out to build during Veterans Build 2026!

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DONATE

Become a Sponsor

Do you support veterans but can't come out to build? We need you! Sponsor a veteran team for $2,500-$5,000 which covers the costs of materials and supplies for the home.

Sponsorship Kit
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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.
Learn More

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.
Read More

Honoring Service: Veterans Build Through the Years

2025 Volunteer Photos

2024 Volunteer Photos

2023 Press and Video Gallery

2023 Volunteer Photos

2022 Volunteer Photos

Veterans Build Week 2021

2021 Press Gallery

2021 Veteran Build Events

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

Veterans Build 2026 Volunteer

Veterans Build 2026 Volunteers

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Build Date*
Please select which dates your organization is available to volunteer. (Select all the apply)
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If you are unable to cover the full cost of team sponsorship but like to contribute, how much would your organization donate/sponsor?

Veterans Build 2026 Corporate Team

Veterans Build 2026 Corporate Teams

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This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Email*
Please enter the name of the company or organization you represent.
Location*
Which location would your group prefer to volunteer? (select all that apply)
Build Date*
Please select which dates your organization is available to volunteer. (Select all the apply)
Team Size*
Does your group have a full team of 10 volunteers?

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.”