America’s wounded, struggling veterans get brand-new homes built by Florida teens
Building Homes for Heroes: High School Students Give Back to Veterans
America’s youth is stepping up to give back to America’s heroes through the national nonprofit organization Building Homes for Heroes (BHH). This organization is dedicated to building, modifying, and gifting mortgage-free homes to injured veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families who have lost a loved one while serving in the US military.
Recently, BHH has partnered with the Construction Management Academy at The Villages Charter School (TVCS) in Florida. Together, they have worked on several projects, including the unveiling of two new homes in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida, gifted to US Army Specialist Rajae Jones and US Army Sergeant James Tabares and their families.
The homes were built from the ground up by TVCS students in collaboration with BHH. This hands-on experience has allowed the students to learn a new trade, give back to their community, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of these deserving families.
Kim Vesey, the president and general counsel of BHH, expressed her gratitude for the partnership with TVCS, calling it a “phenomenal program.” She highlighted the positive outcomes of their collaboration, including the transformation of struggling families into thriving members of the community.
One such family, who received the first home built by TVCS students and BHH, had been facing hardships due to a military injury and PTSD. Thanks to the support of the students and the organization, the family now has a stable home and the parents have found meaningful employment opportunities.
Recent TVCS graduate Blake Tart shared his experience working on these projects, emphasizing the value of hard work and dedication. He mentioned that the lessons learned during his time with BHH will stay with him as he pursues his future career path.
Tart, who comes from a family of veterans, stressed the importance of supporting those who have served their country and may need assistance. He and his classmates worked tirelessly to ensure that the homes they built were perfect for the veterans and their families.
BHH has a presence in 37 states across the US, with Florida showing the highest demand for housing among veterans. Vesey emphasized the importance of understanding the challenges faced by former service members and the need for community support in providing them with stable housing.
Overall, the partnership between BHH and TVCS has not only provided homes for deserving veterans but has also given students a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in their community. By working together, they are honoring the sacrifices made by these heroes and ensuring that they receive the support and care they deserve.
