City of Nash celebrates groundbreaking of new home for local combat Vietnam veteran through partnership with USDA and Habitat for Humanity
USDA Rural Development established the program, and Habitat for Humanity Texarkana was approved for it by UDDA. The ground was broken by city officials on April 30, 2019.
"Like other future homeowners selected into the Habitat program he has been earning sweat equity hours by volunteering with various approved programs,” an HFHT spokesperson said. "Before the foundation is poured Veteran McGrew will have completed 100 volunteer 'sweat equity' hours. By the time he moves into his new home he will have completed over 200 hours total."
"What an awesome project for a Veteran,” said Mayor Robert Bunch of Nash. “[We are] glad we can be a small part of this project."
Randall Verner, assistant area director for USDA Rural Development said: “Our agency’s housing mission is to be a cost-effective service provider that strives to help homeowners and their families remain successful homeowners throughout the term of the loan."
According to a press release for the groundbreaking event:
The statistics behind Veterans Build program are alarming. According to the Habitat for Humanity International, about 1.4 million veterans live in poverty. Millions more pay significant amounts of their income for housing, placing financial burdens on their families. Unlike our older civilians, our older veterans are more likely to have a disability — 35 percent versus 28 percent — which may require home modifications, health and other supportive services as they age.”The brand new home has been designed to accommodate Vietnam combat veteran David McGrew’s needs now and in the future with ADA compliant features," said Katherine Morgan HFHT Board Chair. “It will become his forever home."
David McGrew had applied for the home with Habitat for Humanity.
