Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County (Habitat St. Johns) honored veterans and active military members with a Veterans Build, a two-day event featuring veteran volunteers.
On Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov 8, volunteers worked the morning shift or the afternoon shift (or both), and split into teams to caulk, paint and install trim on four homes in the Volusia Woods neighborhood. The shifts overlapped at lunchtime so volunteers could enjoy delicious food sponsored by Publix Supermarkets and network and enjoy camaraderie.
Each shift began with a greeting from Habitat St. Johns Executive Director Malinda Everson, an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and a quick orientation and safety talk. Saturday morning’s festivities also included the presentation of the flag by a color guard led by FCHG Commander Dan Weir, and an address by Sheriff Robert Hardwick, an Army veteran himself.
“Veterans Build is more than a project day,” said Everson. “It’s a commitment. We recognize that the transition from military to civilian life isn’t always easy, and stable, affordable homeownership can provide the foundation to rebuild, to heal and to thrive. And with every nail and every moment of teamwork, we are building exactly that.”
Volusia Woods is Habitat St. Johns’s fourth neighborhood, located off of Volusia Street in West Augustine. When finished, this community will have 36 two- and three-bedroom homes.
To learn more about the work being done by Habitat St. Johns and how you can help build a world where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home, go to habitatstjohns.org.
