In the spirit of giving back to those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country, participants in this year’s Veterans Build event, which took place the first week of November, gathered in the Oak Park neighborhood at the home of a 92-year-old Korean War veteran.
This project’s extensive scope of work aimed to reduce ongoing maintenance needs, enhance safety, improve functionality, and overall, ensure the home’s long-term integrity. A total of 90 individuals, including three future Habitat homeowners, generously contributed their time and skills, accumulating an impressive total of more than 550 volunteer hours. Together, volunteers:
- helped with the demolition and removal of 160 feet of old chain-link fencing and posts.
- installed “good neighbor” picket fencing and built three new gates.
- removed and disposed of grass and organic materials, installed weed cloth, and added patio stones for a new walkway leading to an aluminum ramp.
- converted the 1,920 sq. ft. front yard from a traditional lawn and shrub landscape to a modern, maintenance-free hardscape with decorative two-tone rocks.
- demolished and reconstructed the front porch rail and support beam, which had succumbed to rot over time, to restore the porch’s functionality and safety.
- revitalized 20 feet of existing fencing with new fence pickets and repaired two gates.
Veterans Build extends beyond physical improvements; it fosters a sense of community and gratitude. Bringing together corporate partners, individual volunteers, and local residents, the transformed property serves as a tangible representation of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans and a testament to the power of collective action.
