[vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Jeff Fish has been building residential homes in the Portland area for 43 years. In the 1980’s, he and a friend started a program called Streets of Affordable Homes. Later, while attending the International Home Builders Convention in 2006, he met the person who started Homes for Our Troops, a 501 (3)c non-profit organization that builds homes for handicapped Vets. The program provides Veterans with the stability of a mortgage-free home as they transition to civilian life. Over 90 cents on every dollar raised goes toward purchasing the lots and building the homes. Grants come from the Department of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs. Major sponsors like Kohler and Whirlpool donate fixtures and appliances. There are 9 major sponsors in all.
The average cost of building one of the 4-bedroom ranch-style homes, outfitted with 155 different ADA amenities, is $750,000 in California, $450,000 elsewhere in the US.
Jeff related stories of recipients of some of the homes, including amputee, Christian, who ran on “blades” with President George Bush. Kevin, another Vet, had lost both legs in a firefight. Now he snowboards in shorts to show off his prosthesis and set an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. Veteran, Josh Sweeney was hit by an IED during a motorcade and lost both legs at the high-thigh. Still, he was motivated to participate in sled hockey and later tried out for the US Para-Olympic team. Josh scored the only—and winning goal against Russia in the Para-Olympics in Sochi, Japan. Jeff finished up with the story of his friend, Harry whose son, John stepped on an IED. During one gathering John’s small son, Easton talked about how he wanted his Daddy to be able to climb into bed with him like he used to. Homes for our Troops built him a home, too.
Jeff passed around a photo album of a recent blitz-build that was held over a 3-day weekend. He has so far built 5 homes for Habitat for Humanity and 2 houses for Homes for Our Troops.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]