New townhomes are currently under construction in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood, as veterans and civilian volunteers join forces with Habitat for Humanity of Illinois to build not only housing, but a stronger sense of community.
“Service never ends” serves as the guiding theme for Habitat for Humanity of Illinois as the organization launches its sixth annual Veterans Build initiative across the greater Chicago area.
On Friday, efforts were concentrated in the West Pullman neighborhood at the intersection of 115th Street and Morgan Avenue, where 20 volunteers representing Chicago Veterans and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago contributed their time and physical effort toward the construction of new townhomes.
“I’m getting a little tired, but it’s well worth it,” said Brandon Rokonosh, product and strategy manager for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.
Among the volunteers is Lourdes Fernando, a veteran who served 11 years in the Army National Guard. Having participated in the construction of the first townhome building at the site the previous year, she expressed a deep sense of pride upon returning.
“I’m not going to lie, when I came up, I was kind of a little emotional. I was like, ‘Oh my God!’ You know, you start to see the finished product. So, when it looks like this, just imagine seeing that and what the end result looks like,” she said.
Volunteers completed the first building in just over a year, and Habitat for Humanity reports that the second building is on schedule for completion by spring of next year. Altogether, five buildings are planned for the site, with the full project estimated to span approximately five to six years.
“Specifically today, it touches me a little bit more, just because I am a veteran myself. And so, doing what we do, and being able to do my job, and kind of call veterans back into service to work together towards building homes, it’s always exciting,” said site supervisor Jose Morales.
Throughout the month of November, 20 teams are set to mobilize across the region in recognition of Veterans Day, uniting veterans, volunteers, and community members to draw attention to the pressing need for affordable housing and essential home repairs for military families.
“Veterans still face different housing issues. Whether that’s able to afford a mortgage to purchase their first home and build generational wealth, or whether that is to remain in their homes with having to address critical home repairs,” said Leslie Rodriguez, director of veteran and repair programs for Habitat for Humanity of Illinois.
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