Orange Habitat hosted a special Veteran Build recognizing the 9/11 Day of Service. Habitat International awarded a $2,500 grant to our local affiliate to engage veterans as volunteers and community members, educate them about the specific challenges service members encounter as they return to civilian life, and provide information about ongoing opportunities to volunteer or serve.

Orange Habitat has already engaged with veterans through its homeownership and home repair programs in Orange County. Since 2013, we have served 30 veterans through these programs. Grants like this allow Habitat to expand its engagement with the local veteran community to include educational and volunteer opportunities.

On Friday, September 8, Orange Habitat hosted students from UNC ROTC and American Legion members for a special build day. This build day brought together those who have served and are currently serving. A lunch program included words from Jeff McNeill, Orange County Veterans Service Officer, and Doug Call, an Orange Habitat Board Member and Navy Veteran.

“I especially enjoyed getting to see the American Legion folks engage with the ROTC students, speaking out their own experiences and what they can expect in the future,” said Habitat’s Volunteer Engagement Manager Ansel Prichard. “I feel like that’s what it’s all really about.”

Click here to learn more about Habitat’s Veterans Build Program.