National Mall Volunteers Build New Home for Veteran in Need

Volunteers along the National Mall in Washington D.C. are working together to combat homelessness among veterans. The Home Depot Foundation and Purple Heart Homes are collaborating on a new home for Jim Taylor, a 76-year-old retired Marine who has been without housing.

The house is being built specifically for Taylor, and it will be delivered to Glasgow, Virginia, once completed. This project aims to highlight the importance of proper housing for veterans, with an estimated 2.75 million either without a home or living in inadequate conditions. The Home Depot Foundation notes that approximately 33,000 veterans are homeless every day nationwide.

Purple Heart Homes executive director Steven Johnson stated, 'I just wanted to give back.' This organization has provided over 200 new homes to veterans in the past. Johnson served in the Army for 28 years and felt a need to continue serving those who have defended freedom.

Taylor expressed his gratitude, saying, 'It means home ownership. I was locked out of that market; so many Americans are these days.' Another Purple Heart Homes project is planned for Glasgow in November, which will place Taylor and the recipient of this new home as neighbors and fellow veterans.