Volunteers Build Home for Veteran on National Mall

The nonprofit Purple Heart Homes has been working to reduce homelessness among the nation's veterans. In a new initiative, they're building a house on the National Mall in Washington D.C. for veteran Jim Taylor, who will receive the home as part of their efforts.

Taylor, a 76-year-old retired Marine, expressed his gratitude and amazement at the opportunity to own a home. 'It means home ownership. I was locked out of that market; so many Americans are these days,' he said.

The Home Depot Foundation estimates that there are over 2.75 million veterans who are either without housing or live in inadequate housing, with roughly 33,000 veterans without a home every day nationwide.

Purple Heart Homes executive director Steven Johnson explained the motivation behind their work: 'I just wanted to give back.' He served for 28 years in the Army and felt a need to serve again. This is the first time volunteers have built a home for a veteran on the National Mall, with organizers highlighting the importance of proper housing for veterans.

A second home will be built for another veteran in Glasgow, Virginia in November, making Taylor's future neighbor and fellow recipient a brother in arms.