Preserving Home, Honoring Service

Springfield resident and disabled Army veteran James knows what goes into homeownership. For years, he’s put in the time, work, and money it takes to maintain the place he calls home. James, who shares the two-story home with his wife Tanya, purchased the house in 2010 and has since replaced the siding, interior doors, and windows.

James proudly stands in front of his East Springfield home.

But some repairs are bigger and costlier than a veteran can tackle alone. That’s where Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) comes in. Through our Veterans Build Home Preservation program and with support from The Home Depot Foundation, we’re partnering with James to address necessary exterior repairs to his East Springfield home.

“I’m thrilled to work with Habitat,” said James. “They are professional and courteous. Joe is hilarious and Edgar is so punctual and meticulous.”

GSHFH’s Veterans Build Home Preservation program is a part of a national initiative to provide housing solutions to U.S. veterans, military service members, and their families. Services include accessibility modifications for bathrooms and kitchens, ramps, roof repair/replacement, weatherization, heating system upgrades, porch/stair repairs, and hard surface flooring to help with mobility.

The Home Depot Foundation provides grant funding to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country through its Repair Corps grant. To qualify, an honorably discharged veteran must live in the home full time, although the veteran doesn’t need to own it.

At James’ home, Greater Springfield Habitat Construction Manager Joe Schebel and Staffer Edgar Herrera are replacing decayed decking, faulty wiring, and a broken sliding door. A subcontractor will fix the crumbling chimney.

James said he learned about GSHFH’s Veterans Build Home Preservation program through fellow veterans Bruce and Wayne, whom he met through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Greater Springfield Habitat had replaced the back deck on Bruce’s Pine Point colonial and completed repairs at Wayne’s West Springfield mobile home. Earlier this year, James reached out to Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director, and inquired about the program.

“I was very excited and pleased to see the final product at their homes,” James said. “I was told — and warned — the process takes a while. I applied in March, and here we are.”

For James and Tanya, the repairs will do more than address a worn deck, faulty door, electrical outlet, and damaged chimney. They will help preserve the home the couple has invested in for many years and allow them to continue living there safely.

“James has put years of work and care into his home, and we’re honored to help him protect that investment,” Aimee said. “Our Veterans Build Home Preservation program is about standing alongside those who served and helping them remain safely and securely in the homes they love.”