For the first time, six Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the Chicagoland region are collaborating to be hosts to Veterans Build events November 11-13, including new home construction, repairs, and volunteer projects. The week will kick-off on Veterans Day, November 11 with a virtual conversation between veterans discussing affordable housing at 9 a.m.. A build-site program in Winfield will follow at 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. with special guest U.S. senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War Veteran, Purple Heart recipient and former assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Will County Habitat for Humanity will focus on new construction at 1919 Cora Street, Crest Hill. This home is not only part of Veterans Build 2021 but is constructed in memory of veteran Ray Holloway. Holloway was a veteran member at American Legion, Post 52, Romeoville. His wish was to provide safe and affordable housing to veterans in need. Due to the partnership between Will County Habitat for Humanity and American Legion, Post 52, Mr. Holloway’s dream will soon become a reality.
Along with the support of American Legion, Post 52, Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to host the Home Depot Foundation (Home Depot Homer Glen, IL) and the Student Veterans of America Illinois Chapter (SVA-IL) at the 1919 Cora Street build site, Friday, Nov. 12 and Saturday, Nov. 13. According to Cheryl Toohey, Community Outreach Coordinator, “Will County Habitat for Humanity prides itself in their work to provide affordable housing to those in need in Will County. We are thrilled to have the Home Depot Foundation and SVA-IL work alongside us, to provide an affordable home to a veteran in need. WCHFH would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to Chick-fil-A for providing lunch both days to the volunteers on site.”
This development, and all Habitat home builds, engage volunteers to participate on the construction site, under the supervision of trained crew leaders who oversee all phases of the construction process. According to Nicole Murray, Will County Habitat for Humanity executive director, “Volunteers are so important to Will County Habitat for Humanity. Our volunteers are why we are able to provide affordable housing. Will County Habitat for Humanity and their volunteers are proud to give back to those who have served.”
As senator Duckworth said, “Every American is dishonored when a Veteran who fought for this country’s freedom must lay his or her head down on the very streets they defended. I’m honored to help support this build site and help create more accessible housing options for Veterans.”
Interested in supporting Will County Habitat for Humanity and Veterans Build 2021 weekend? Contact Cheryl Toohey at ctoohey@habitatwill.org for more information on how to donate or schedule a time to volunteer; or check us out online at www.habitatwill.org.
Visit www.chicagolandhabitat.org/VeteransBuild for more information, to attend the program with Senator Duckworth, to watch the virtual conversation, and show your support for veterans across the region. #2021VeteransBuild.
—Will County Habitat for Humanity