Here at Global Impact, global is in our name – literally, of course, and in much of the work we do. You may know us for the dozens of international humanitarian organizations we represent, which run programming across most countries around the world. What you may not know is that many of our charity partners also have services right here in the U.S., alleviating poverty and providing resources like safe housing. Their reach is global, but their impacts are local; they may be providing services to those in need right in your neighborhood.
This week in the U.S., we celebrate Veterans Day, a day to honor the 16.2 million U.S. veterans who served their country and acknowledge the particular challenges confronting them. Many veterans face physical and mental health issues and have trouble adjusting to civilian life when they return home to their communities.
Access to safe housing is another challenge many veterans face, which grows more complex as they age. Veterans are twice as likely to become homeless versus those who didn’t serve in the military. Even for those with a stable living situation, millions of American homes have serious health and safety hazards like gas leaks, damaged plumbing, structural problems, and lead paint. For older veterans, the economic and physical demands of keeping up with home repairs can be overwhelming.
Recognizing their unique needs, Habitat for Humanity – the parent organization of our partner, Habitat for Humanity International – has developed programming specific for U.S. veterans. When you think of Habitat, you may think of their lifechanging work recruiting volunteers to build much-needed housing around the world. But since 2013, they have worked with over 6,500 veterans and their families to improve their housing right here in the U.S. Through the Repair Corps program, Habitat makes critical home repairs for military veterans to alleviate health and safety issues. And through their Veterans Build program, Habitat provides volunteer, homeownership, and employment opportunities to U.S. veterans, military service members, and their families.
Celebrate Veterans Day by reading about how Habitat has impacted the lives of three veterans and their families in the U.S. Then, consider a workplace donation to support their work with veterans and others in communities worldwide.
Leon’s Story
Leon, a World War II veteran, and his wife Loretta have lived in the same house in Michigan for half a century. As the couple aged, they wanted to maintain their independence, but it became harder to keep up with repairs, and the house deteriorated.
The couple’s daughter, Lisa, learned about Habitat’s Repair Corps program, and she helped her father apply, hoping for repairs on the home’s furnace, which had been around since the 1960s.
They were stunned by Habitat’s response. Through the Repair Corps program, Leon and Loretta received not only the new furnace they needed, but also an exterior ramp, replacement windows, insulation in the basement, and new plumbing and electrical work.
With the new ramp in place, coming and going becomes a lot simpler for Leon, who at 92 doesn’t get around as well as he did when he worked on B-24 bombers in the Army Air Corps. Also, with the new windows and insulation, staying warm in the winter will cost less. Leon is living more comfortably and affordably, thanks to Habitat’s work.
Reginald’s Story
At 17, during the height of the Vietnam War, Reginald left his home in North Philly and spent the next decade serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. He returned to his childhood sweetheart, Pat, and raised three daughters in a 1900s-era brick rowhouse.
“My time in the military really changed me in the sense that it gave me view that while there are people in the world who want to do the wrong thing, there are so many people who want to do the right thing. And we saved lives,” Reginald says. “Other than my family, enlisting was the best thing I ever did.”
After Reginald, who became a drug addiction counselor, and Pat, a mail carrier, retired, it became harder to keep up with home repairs. Plaster on the ceiling was falling down, and the floor was buckling, creating a tripping hazard.
Through Habitat’s Repair Corps program, volunteers replaced windows, patched plaster, installed handrails and grab bars, upgraded some electrical units, repaired the foundation on the outside of the house, and fixed their kitchen. Now, Reginald and Pat are proud of their home, thanks to Habitat’s work.
Patrick’s Story
Patrick enlisted in the Army to provide a better life for his wife, Christine, and their two daughters. After nine years in service, he suffered an injury in combat, and once he retired, he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and the adjustment to returning home. Two months after leaving the military, the family became homeless but found temporary quarters in a very small, two-bedroom apartment.
They were then introduced to the Habitat for Heroes program of Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity. Patrick was able to apply and begin the process of buying a safe, affordable home with zero percent mortgage interest.
Patrick and Christine completed 10 financial and homeownership classes to ensure they have the tools to thrive as homeowners, and they put in 200 hours of “sweat equity” helping to rehab their home and those of other Habitat homeowners.
“To have a forever home is a dream come true for us,” Patrick says. “We would not have been ready to purchase a home otherwise, and we are so grateful for this opportunity.”
When you give to Habitat, you’re supporting local solutions to housing problems for your neighbors and others around the world. Champion safe and affordable housing for all with a workplace donation now.
