Habitat for Humanity builds on the National Mall to celebrate new Veterans Build program

AmeriCorps members, veteran and civilian volunteers frame seven houses in Washington, D.C., during Habitat for Humanity's Veterans Build on the Mall.

News provided by

Habitat for Humanity International

Jun 03, 2013, 10:30 ET

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AmeriCorps members, veteran and civilian volunteers are gathered in Washington, D.C., for Habitat for Humanity's Veterans Build on the Mall, to raise awareness of important opportunities offered through Habitat's new Veterans Build and Repair Corps programs. Seven houses are being framed on the National Mall, representing each branch of the military, the guard and reserves, and national service programs, such as AmeriCorps and VISTA. After the event, the frames will be delivered to Habitat affiliates in the Washington, D.C., area to be completed in partnership with Habitat partner families.

David Burja (right), construction supervisor, and Dave Guttman (left), director of construction, both from Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, help to raise an American flag over a new Habitat house, during the 2013 Build on the Mall. Veterans, active military and AmeriCorps members are spending this week framing seven houses on the National Mall, to raise awareness about Habitat's Veterans Build and Repair Corps programs. (PRNewsFoto/Habitat for Humanity International) (PRNewsFoto/HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INT...)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130603/CL24753 )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050501/NYSU020LOGO )

Habitat's new Veterans Build program supports and honors existing and retired military members and their families by offering affordable housing options, critical repair solutions, and opportunities for volunteering, leadership and employment. Part of the Veterans Build initiative is the Repair Corps program, funded by The Home Depot Foundation, which offers critical home repairs such as wheelchair ramps, wider doorways and structural improvements to U.S. military veterans. Partnering families agree to repay a no-profit loan that covers the repair costs, the payments from which are "recycled" into a revolving fund to assist more families in need of decent housing.

"Since 2011, Habitat for Humanity has served more than 450 veterans and their families," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "The Veterans Build program enables us to continue providing housing solutions and volunteer opportunities to veterans and military service men and women. We are beyond grateful for their service and for the privilege to give back to men and women who have given so much."

The Veterans Build on the Mall is also one of five AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon sites, an annual event that recognizes AmeriCorps and VISTA members' important contributions to Habitat for Humanity and provides them with opportunities to meet others committed to service and the need for safe and affordable shelter. AmeriCorps members at a national and local level have been vital in the creation and implementation of the Veterans Build program.

"The commitment to veterans and their families is two-fold: we serve them, and we ask them to serve with us," said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. "Each year, national service programs reach over 1.5 million veterans and military family members, and more than 27,000 veterans put their unique skills to work on a new mission on the homefront. National Service is honored to join Habitat for Humanity to serve in honor of those who serve us and we are proud that AmeriCorps members working with Habitat for Humanity are part of this service to veterans on the National Mall."

Habitat for Humanity would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the Veterans Build on the Mall: The Home Depot Foundation, MASCO Corporation and Bank of America.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat's blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International