Volunteer Army to Build House for Veteran
By Umberger, Mary; Chicago Tribune,Publication Date: February 21, 2010
Article features a charitable organization that relies on volunteer labor and donated materials to build accessible homes for disabled U.S. military veterans. Homes for Our Troops, which aids veterans who have been severely injured while serving in a combat zone after September 11, 2001, secured 23 volunteer commitments from professionals in the building trades through a plea via a local radio station to build a home for a Chicago area resident who lost his legs during combat in Iraq. Construction of the single-story home, with features such as a roll-in shower, accessible kitchen, and electronically activated doors, will follow the Homes for Our Troops three-part schedule: (1) a three day Build Brigade, during which the house goes from foundation to a complete basic structure; (2) a 60 to 90 day period during which the interior is built; and (3) Volunteer Day, when the group of building professionals needs help with landscaping, cleaning, and other remaining chores. The home will be constructed at no cost to the veteran and his family. Since 2004, the charity has built 51 houses for disabled veterans and reports having 32 others in various stages of construction around the country. More information can be found at http://www.HomesForOurTroops.org/.
Published by: Chicago Tribune (Website:http://www.chicagotribune.com)
Link to text: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-mre-0221-umberger-20100221,0,225391,full.story
