The famous nonprofit Habitat for Humanity works continually to relieve the problem of homelessness worldwide through the construction of simple, decent homes. But the issue of homeless veterans has its own special division.
Veterans Build is Habitat for Humanity’s national initiative to build homes and provide volunteer and employment assistance to U.S. veterans and their families. The statistics behind this program are alarming. According to the Habitat for Humanity website, about 1.4 million veterans live in poverty. Millions more pay significant amounts of their income for housing, placing financial burdens on their families.
In addition, the nonprofit has expanded the program to include the maintenance and preservation of existing homes. Projects of this kind may include exterior painting or weatherization. Habitat for Humanity has partnered with The Home Depot Foundation to create the Repair Corps program, which offers home repairs to veteran homeowners.
Habitat for Humanity seeks to include as many veteran volunteers as possible to make the transition to civilian life easier. Working with their neighbors is a valuable way to expose veterans to life as we know it today in the U.S.
The nonprofit’s employment of veterans is another part of its mission. Habitat for Humanity employs them in VISTA programs at Habitat affiliates located near military bases. These affiliates are trained to better understand military culture and how to work with veterans and their families more effectively. And to support home ownership, the nonprofit offers financial education and literacy programs.
Habitat affiliates offer fellowships to veterans through Veteran Energy Affinity Partner The Mission Continues. It is our hope that civilians and veterans will come together through these many valuable organizations to provide housing for the families of the brave servicemen and women who have sacrificed more than their share in defense of their country.
