Volunteers build home for disabled veteran in Virginia
LOUDOUN Co., Va. (ABC7) — A disabled veteran will soon have a home of his own in Loudoun County. It's all thanks to local volunteers digging in for a good cause.
For the volunteers, getting their hands dirty is no big deal.
"It enriches all of us, I think," said Mike McGlauflin, taking a break from shoveling. "It enriches the community."
McGlauflin is one of more than 150 people helping to make it all happen.
"This is a full basement in the middle," said Jason Brownell, pointing to an area of the foundation.
For Brownell, it's personal.
"It means the opportunity to do something good for those who don't have as much or are less fortunate than myself," he said.
Brownell and a group of others started HeroHomes last year after helping to build a house for a disabled veteran in Brownell's hometown. After completing the project, they kept on digging.
"That's our motivation, just do good for others," Brownell said.
They plan to build homes for veterans with features designed specifically to fit each future homeowner's needs.
"It's certainly not about us, it's not about anyone else. It's all about providing a home for someone that deserves it," said Matthew Lowers, Co-Founder of HeroHomes.
Come October, they hope their first home will be completed.
"We have a community that wants to give, is able to give, and pulling it together is my motivation," said Aimee McGranahan, Co-Founder of the group.
Volunteers, local businesses, and people from across the area are pitching in to make it happen.
The Purcellville home is the first of what they're hoping will be a number of houses that veterans can call home.
The house will suit the veteran's needs, specifically focusing on energy efficiency, safety, and installing a sprinkler system.
The group has not announced publicly who the first recipient will be, but they said he is a disabled 20 year Army Apache pilot. They will be announcing the recipient on July 6.
You can find out more information on the efforts at www.herohomesloudoun.org
