Habitat for Humanity builds and preserves affordable home ownership for our local community. Each year, we are honored to serve several veteran families in our community who are either seeking to build a forever home with us or need critical home repairs that will allow them to age in place safely and affordably. Some of this work is funded through grants that require local matching funds. Your support of our mission will allow more families to be assisted through our “Hand up, not a Handout” model.

In the past year, we have had the honor of assisting two homebuyers in purchasing a home with a guaranteed affordable mortgage. One of them, Phillip Dorsey, is a father of three who is working two jobs to create a better life for his family. His beautiful home in Aberdeen was dedicated during the week of Veterans Day in November, 2023. The other, Teanna Davis, is a mom and National Guard member who, in addition to her service, works two additional jobs. Their stories of resilience and determination are a testament to the strength of our veteran community and the impact of our programs.

In addition to our new home construction program, we proudly serve many veterans each year through our Aging in Place (AIP) critical home repair program. Through AIP, non-Habitat elderly or disabled homeowners can access low or no-cost exterior repairs such as window replacements, septic replacements, or wheelchair ramps. We want to help veterans and others stay in their affordable homes longer. This year, we assisted Mr. and Mrs. Moses McGirt with a roof replacement and HVAC installation. Mr. McGirt is a Vietnam Veteran who served as a transportation specialist and heavy wheel mechanic.

We also provided a replacement of the windows and doors as well as vinyl siding at the home of Willie James Wall. “Willie J,” as he is known to friends and family, is also a Vietnam Veteran who was drafted just after his 18th birthday. After an honorable discharge four years later, he took what he learned in the Army and began driving trucks. After several years of trucking all over the country as an Over the Road trucker, he opted to come off the road and started a long career with Perdue. He also returned to the US military, enlisting in the NC Army National Guard.

We also provided Mr. John Rooy and his wife, Giselle, with a new roof and windows as well as a wheelchair ramp. Mr. Rooy is a Navy Veteran who served during the Korean War. They have been married for 68 years. Both remarked at how these improvements have significantly changed their living conditions and share their heartfelt thanks with all of the donors and volunteers who, with their support, made it possible. Your contributions are the backbone of our operations, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.