FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2024
Contact:
Devonna Almagro | Director of Communications
(619) 283-4663 x125
devonna.almagro@sandiegohabitat.org
Media Release
Community Unites for San Diego Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Veterans Build
Event, supported by sponsors and volunteers, ensures safe, dignified homes for veterans
San Diego, CA — San Diego Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce the 2024 Veterans Build, set for November 1-2 & 5-7, with the support of our sponsors and over 100 dedicated volunteers. This annual event mobilizes the community to uplift local veterans by improving housing stability and quality of life. This year’s program includes a range of volunteer activities, from home repairs to a playhouse-building competition, where teams will collaborate to create themed playhouses, which will be donated to local nonprofits supporting military families or to a low-income veteran family.
San Diego County, home to over 240,000 veterans, has one of the nation’s largest veteran populations. Through the national Veterans Build initiative, Habitat for Humanity provides housing solutions and community support for veterans, military service members, and their families. Partnering with local sponsors, San Diego Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to addressing the unique housing needs of veterans through affordable homeownership and repair services, bringing stability and peace of mind to those who have served.
This year, volunteer teams will contribute their time and expertise to support two distinguished veteran homeowners:
- Denzil, a veteran and Oceanside homeowner, served 22 years in the Marines. Recently widowed after 57 years of marriage, Denzil’s daughter-in-law, Jana, reached out to San Diego Habitat for critical home repairs. San Diego Habitat has installed an ADA-accessible shower, added small ramps at entry points, replaced key appliances, removed large palm trees, replaced the roof, and will be adding grab bars in the bathrooms for accessibility.
- Tony, a Gulf War veteran and homeowner in Spring Valley, has lived in his home with his wife, Rene, and their seven children for over 30 years. Concerned about his family’s safety, Tony reached out to Habitat, who has since replaced broken windows, a garage door, and hazardous siding, updated electrical panels, removed a threatening tree, and installed new household appliances.
During Veterans Build, volunteers will complete essential projects such as painting, yard maintenance, and installing a flagpole at Denzil’s home—a long-time dream of his. Volunteers will also paint Tony’s home, install security gates, and create a patio area, ensuring additional safety and comfort as he and his wife age in place.
In addition to volunteering their time, all Veterans Build participants have committed to raising or donating funds that directly support veteran services and the construction and preservation of homes across San Diego County. Through the generous contributions of our sponsors, we’re thrilled to announce that over $95,000 has been raised for our Veteran Services Program this year, allowing San Diego Habitat to continue providing essential home repairs, safety upgrades, and stability to veterans.
To learn more about Veterans Build, visit https://go.sandiegohabitat.org/veteransbuild.
Media outlets are invited to join us at the November 1 kickoff with a playhouse-building competition and Open House, and on the final day of home repairs in Spring Valley on November 7.
WHAT:
San Diego Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Veterans Build
WHEN:
Friday, November 1, 2024 | Playhouse Build Competition and Open House
11:45am Playhouse Build Begins
3:00pm Paint Brushes Down, Open House and Judging Begins
LOCATION: 8128 Mercury Court, San Diego, CA 92111
VISUALS: Dozens of volunteer teams will gather at Habitat’s headquarters to build themed playhouses. The Open House will provide an opportunity to meet the Veterans Builders and vote on favorite designs.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: High-quality images and b-roll of volunteers creating playhouses available.
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | Final Day of Home Repairs in Spring Valley
9:00am Event Kickoff/Safety Briefing
9:30pm Construction Begins
LOCATION: 1011 Maria Avenue, Spring Valley, CA 91977
VISUALS: Volunteer builders will be painting, installing gates, and landscaping.
INTERVIEW AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: San Diego Habitat for Humanity CEO Kwofi Reed will kick off the final day of repairs and will be available for interviews following remarks. Additionally, images and b-roll can be obtained of volunteers working on-site.
About San Diego Habitat for Humanity
People in our community partner with San Diego Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners build their homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With our help, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.
Habitat for Humanity exists through volunteer labor and contributions of money, land, and materials. For more information, visit www.sandiegohabitat.org or call 619-283-HOME (4663).
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