Armed Forces Build is a new program at Habitat Charlotte reaching out to the military veteran community. With a two-pronged approach, we are looking to engage the veteran community both as volunteers and as homeowners.
Armed Forces Build will be a one-week build taking place during Armed Forces Week, June 14 - 21, 2013, where a crew made up entirely of veterans and active duty military will construct a new home for a fellow service member. We are looking not only to provide a viable homeownership option for a veteran, but also provide an opportunity for military-trained men and women to use their skills in the community. They may even pick up some new skills along the way! Most importantly, however, we are giving veterans an opportunity to strengthen those bonds of camaraderie forged on the battle field.
Statistics show that veterans are twice as likely to be homeless or experience a housing crisis. With thousands of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, programs specifically created to reach out to those men and women are vital to their successful transition home. Habitat Charlotte is partnering with military and veterans' resource agencies in the area to recruit as many potential applicants as possible and inform the veteran community that we are here to provide a viable housing solution.
For details on how your organization can sponsor a portion of the Armed Forces Build in May, 2013, please contact Alicia Morris at 704.716.5630.
For details on volunteering, contact Stephanie Murphy at 704.716.7077 or click here to see volunteer schedule.
America is free because of our veterans. Across America hearts are filled with gratitude for the sacrifices made by military men and women. At the same time, our hearts go out to those struggling with transition to civilian life after their service.
There are currently more than 6,000 Post 9/11 veterans in Mecklenburg County. More are expected as the draw down in the Middle East speeds up. The numbers are daunting for those needing help.
"This country is dealing with an enormous change in the military population. Look at these service men and women and they're trained for anywhere from six months to two years to go into the service. We don't train them for 24 hours to go into the community." Thomas Norman, Chair of Charlotte Bridge Home.
The mission of Charlotte Bridge Home is to help veterans successfully transition home after military service by identifying their education, employment and healthcare needs and connecting them to available community, state and federal resources.
"You lose a lil' bit of identity when you take that uniform off. You don't have the chain of command to call on. You don't have your Team Leader, your Sergeant Major, your Commander to say I have an issue and I need help. And it's a scary reality knowing that that support network is gone. And that's where Charlotte Bridge Home is trying to fill that gap." Arthur Pue, Board Member Charlotte Bridge Home and former service member.
If you or someone you know is a veteran and lives in Charlotte/Mecklenburg and needs help, please contact us.
Connecting Veterans with Resources, Community, Success
Armed Forces Build is a new program at Habitat Charlotte reaching out to the military veteran community. With a two-pronged approach, we are looking to engage the veteran community both as volunteers and as homeowners.
