Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity Hosts Weeklong Veteran Repair Blitz

Press Release

September 23, 2023

The week of September 12-16, Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity embarked on a week-long project to give back to veterans who have served to bless our country. Habitat worked on three wheelchair ramps, a roof reshingle project, and a significant yard clean-up project for veterans in Calhoun County.

One of those projects was located on Monroe Street in Albion. It was a complete roof redo with work performed by the Michigan Job Challenge Program, Eaton Corporation, Albion College students, the American Legion Auxiliary Post 55, and Habitat regular volunteers. “It was truly a blessing to have so many willing and able volunteers. So many people pitched in to see the project through to completion,” stated Mike King, Interim Executive Director for Habitat.

The roof was started on Tuesday and completed by Friday. Funders for all the projects of the week included the American Legion Auxiliary Post 55, Eaton Corporation, Marshall Community Credit Union, Johnny’s Market, Advia Credit Union, Quality Plumbing and Drain, Spartan Podiatry, and Kellogg Community Credit Union.

There is much desire to support veterans in this community. The three wheelchair projects were located in Homer, Marengo, and Athens. Volunteers for those projects came from Eaton Corporation, Knauf Insulation, and Habitat’s regular volunteers. “Tears are often shed at the completion of a wheelchair ramp,” stated Mr. King. “As our population ages mobility can be a big issue in a person’s life”.

Sometimes, the biggest hurdle for an elderly person is the four steps right outside their front door. A ramp can bring freedom like they haven’t felt in years. The volunteers certainly enjoy building ramps because when the project is finished in a day, there is so much appreciation from the entire recipient family.” Habitat builds ramps for families of low income, and they can be contacted at 269-966-2502.