Sunday, January 29, 2012

Homes for Troops

Yesterday I spent some time with the folks from Homes for Troops. They are building a specially adapted house for an injured U.S. Army veteran. Since it was a major construction day there wasn't too much I could do to help but I plan on going back for the landscaping day...then at least I'd qualify as semi-skilled labor!

There were several of my quilt friends there so of course we decided we needed to make the family a quilt for their new home...finally something I can do!


Homes for Troops is a great organization. www.homesfortroops.org They have build over 100 adapted homes at no cost to the injured vet. Having an accessible home makes caring for the injured veteran easier for the family and returns dignity to the injured vet by allowing him or her to do more activities for themselves.

It was also wonderful to see all the volunteers out there for the construction days. Everyone from professional builders (the guys doing the tough work on the roof) to members of a local sorority that maned the sign-in and information booths to the vets that provided the BBQ lunch. Lots of soldiers from the local fort were on hand. It was interesting to hear their reflections on the project. Several of them commented they had traveled the same stretch of highway in Iraq where SFC Giddens had been injured by an IED.

Homes for Troops builds all across the country. (I think they have upcoming projects in Massachusetts and Utah.)



8 comments:

Mary Johnson said...

I've worked on Habitat for Humanity builds and donated quilts for new homeowners too. It's very rewarding.

antique quilter said...

how special, I never heard of this organization
good for you going to help , ah yes making quilts we can do that!
I have donated a quilt to Habitat for Humanity I need to do more of that
kathie

Impera Magna said...

What a wonderful project.... and a quilt for the soldier would be perfect!

Vivian said...

Our family has helped with Habitat of Humanity, and I've donated quilts to QOV, but I'm not familiar with this organization. Thanks for sharing their story. Such a worthy project they've undertaken. We can't do too much for our servicemen and servicewomen.

Merilyn said...

A very worthwhile cause, a great project, thankyou for sharing and be sure to let us see the quilt when you get it done!!!!

Bonnie K. Hunter said...

This is just the most wonderful cause! And it looks like it was a beautiful day too!

Bonnie

Betty Lou said...

What a wonderful organization, wouldn't it be great if we could build a house for every veteran?

Janet O. said...

What a great cause to support. A quilt for the new home would be wonderful!