Our Chicago Women Veterans recently joined forces with Habitat for Humanity in a meaningful day of service, rolling up their sleeves to help build a home for a fellow veteran. Through Habitat’s Veterans Build program, our women veterans were able to contribute to Habitat’s mission of empowering military veterans through homeownership, home repairs, and camaraderie-building events. This experience not only supported a deserving veteran but also strengthened the bonds within our own community of women veterans, as they worked together toward a shared goal.

Through Habitat’s “hand-up, not a hand-out” approach, partner families are asked to contribute sweat-equity hours by working alongside volunteers and staff on the construction of their new homes. This collaborative approach provides families not only with housing but with a sense of pride and ownership, as they actively participate in building their future. For our Chicago Women Veterans, this was a chance to connect with a fellow veteran’s journey and to make a true impact on their future stability.

The day was filled with camaraderie, teamwork, and a shared commitment to service. As our women veterans hammered, painted, and lifted alongside Habitat staff and other volunteers, they felt the empowerment that comes from working together toward a meaningful mission.

In addition to the immediate impact on housing, Habitat’s Veterans Build program is a reminder of the power of community and collaboration. It fosters connections among veterans and volunteers, empowering them to find healing and purpose by giving back to others. The program has created lasting friendships, strengthened networks, and inspired a sense of belonging that is so vital to veterans’ mental health and well-being.

For our Chicago Women Veterans, this day of service was about more than just building a house; it was about building community, honoring shared experiences, and celebrating the resilience and dedication of those who have served. We are grateful to Habitat for Humanity for the opportunity to support their incredible mission and look forward to more opportunities to serve together.

This day not only brought our women veterans closer to one another but also underscored the importance of accessible, dignified housing for all veterans and their families, one brick at a time.