Tiny homes provide big opportunities for transitioning veterans

Mike Hendrix
Mike Hendrix

Staff Writer

Jun 17, 2021

For many, having a place to call home is the foundation of the American Dream.  But thousands of veterans remain without shelter every day, many due to physical or mental challenges. Some need help with employment, others need extended services to address those challenges due to their service, but all need help.

Operation FINALLY HOME wanted to do just that. Established in 2005, the nonprofit provides mortgage-free homes and home modifications to wounded, ill and injured veterans. To date, they have more than 250 home projects completed or in planning in 33 states.

Lowe’s employs nearly 20,000 veterans and has made a promise, not just to them, but to all veterans and active military to provide workforce training, scholarships, safe and affordable housing. That commitment led to a partnership with Operation FINALLY HOME and support for their mission through grants and other assistance.

 

To date, these two programs have delivered three homes. Each was built on location at the schools and then transported to a property in Liberty, Texas, creating a transitional housing community for veterans.  These homes are giving veterans access to the support and services they need to get back on their feet, provide them the basic shelter and remind them what “home” feels like.

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When asked what this has meant for him and other veterans, Eddie Rodriguez, a tiny home recipient said, “Opportunity… I was given another opportunity at life.  I would expect that a lot of these vets, they need another chance.”

For the students, it was a great opportunity to learn skills in the trades and for a good cause:  improving the lives of veterans in need.  

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“It makes us happy,” said Jorge Trevino, a senior at Summer Creek High School. “[It] motivates us to make everything nice because you know that it is going to someone that served our country and that we respect.”

Lowe’s supports military families year-round through partnerships with Operation FINALLY HOME, Building Homes for Heroes, USO, AMVETS and Purple Heart Homes focused on safe, affordable housing and workforce development, as well as its trademark 10 percent discount – every day, guaranteed – to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses, saving them more than $1 billion annually. Additionally, Lowe’s national Generation T movement aims to rebuild the skilled trades industry and add 100,000 tradespeople to the workforce over the next decade.