Veterans Build
What is the Habitat for Humanity
Veterans Build Program?
Through this initiative, we are committed to providing U.S. veterans, military service members, and their families with essential support. Our efforts include offering homeownership opportunities, critical home repairs, employment, volunteer roles, and more. Together, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
Our Commitment:
- Engagement: We actively seek volunteer support from veteran groups, recognizing the unique perspective and dedication they bring to help bring our vision to life.
- Opportunities: We invite veterans to partner with us by participating in our homeownership and repair programs, as well as employment, internships, and other service roles within our organization, fostering a supportive environment for their personal and professional growth and continued service.
Why is Habitat for Humanity focusing on veteran needs?
The National Low Income Housing Coalition finds that 2.5 million veterans heading households are at least 55 years of age. Of those 2.5 million veterans, 24 percent have housing cost burdens.
Unlike our older civilians, our older veterans are more likely to have a disability — 35 percent versus 28 percent — which may require home modifications, health and other supportive services as they age.
Our female veteran population is in need as well. According to a report by the National Housing Conference, nearly half of our veterans who are single mothers spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Our female veterans face significant economic and housing challenges and are particularly vulnerable to housing cost burdens compared with our overall veteran population.
Likewise, our most recent veterans who served following 9/11 have returned to a slow-growing economy and rising housing costs. These economic factors have made the transition from military service to civilian life difficult for many of our veterans.
In addition, nearly 4 million of our veterans pay at least 30 percent of their income toward rent or mortgage, while more than 1.5 million pay at least 50 percent. As you can imagine, using half of your income to pay your rent or mortgage is an enormous strain on any budget.
The Core Principles of Veterans Build:
1. Build
2. Employ
3. Volunteer Engagement
Involve service members, veterans, their families, and civilian supporters in meaningful volunteer opportunities and advocacy efforts that honor and support veterans.
4. Educate
Provide homeownership and financial education programs to veterans for sustainable homeownership and foster a deeper understanding of military and veteran culture among Habitat’s civilian supporters.
5. Honor
Create and identify opportunities to honor service members, veterans, their families, and families of the fallen during significant occasions such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Meet a Veteran Family
Homeowners Kevin and Kathy were extremely excited as they began making their dream of homeownership a reality. Kevin, a US Army Veteran, served in the 25th Infantry Division. After his service, the couple spent many years traveling around the globe with Kevin’s job as a comedian and public speaker, often on cruise ships. At the time, homeownership didn’t seem like a possibility. Over the years, Kevin’s health deteriorated and made it more difficult to work or travel. As they settled down in Wilmington, Kathy began working as a receptionist. Though they loved their apartment, there was a fear that rising rent would rise beyond what they could afford with their fixed income. They knew they would never qualify for a mortgage, so they didn’t dare to dream of owning a home.
They discovered Cape Fear Habitat’s homeownership program while volunteering on a build site alongside their daughter as part of a Peace Corps volunteer day. They were able to meet a future homeowner who showered them with gratefulness and prayer, leaving them with tears of joy and hope. They were drawn to the stability and security that Habitat could provide.
Administrative Offices
(910) 762-4744
FAX: (910) 762-0734
info@capefearhabitat.org
