Veterans project progresses quickly

Work got underway recently on the Camp Habitat for Humanity Veterans Project with two local veterans receiving much-needed upgrades.

A local roofing company installed a new roof on the home of Vietnam Veteran Johnny Bell.

“The roof is done, and on June 2 Scottie Traylor and electrician Lee Lloyd of Bended Knee Construction repaired the wiring at the Bell home,” said Camp Habitat Executive Director Linda Baxter. “Now there is just work needed inside to repair water damaged sheetrock.”

Baxter said the additional cosmetic work on the Bell home would begin after work on the home of Vietnam Veteran Don Francis is completed. The first project on the Francis home was to replace the dilapidated front porch. “Our project includes building a new covered porch with a ramp and handrail for easier accessibility. Inside the home, we will replace some damaged floor covering and install accessible kitchen cabinets,” she said.

Camp Habitat volunteers worked June 2 and June 9 to remove the roofing and flooring of the porch.

“We have installed temporary steps and a handrail until we can come back in a few weeks to build the new porch and ramp. We have to work around summer plans of our volunteers and we try to end our day early in the afternoon because of the heat,” Baxter said.

Camp Habitat has received additional donations since its initial fundraising efforts for the project, including a church van.

“We have also received a donation of a new window and a cash donation from Speedy Clean Coin Laundry for the amount that has been collected from customers using the bathroom facilities,” Baxter said. “The owner can make his facilities safer and cleaner for customers and the funds raised will be going to local nonprofits. The (Pittsburg Gazette) articles helped us be the first recipient of this donation.”