• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Mail
  • Español
Habitat for Humanity
  • What We Do
      • Homeownership
      • Build and Rehab Homes
      • Veterans Program
      • Neighborhood Engagement
      • We Believe in You

        Start building your dream

  • ReStore
      • About ReStore
      • Locations & Hours
      • Remodeling?
      • ReBuild, ReNew, ReStore

        Less waste, more long-term housing

  • About
      • About Habitat Kent
      • History
      • Team & Board Members
      • Work At Habitat
      • Resources
      • Find out more

        Building homes, growing communities

  • Connect
      • Blog
      • Events
      • Contact Us
      • We’re Here To Help

        Hammering down problems, nailing down solutions

  • Donate
    • Donate Now
    • Monthly Giving
    • Planned Giving
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Donate Household Items
    • Cars for Homes
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Women of Habitat Kent
  • Menu Menu

New Beginnings

July 20, 2018/in Homeowner Stories, Veteran Program/by Luke Ferris

John was looking for a fresh start and a chance to live the life he always dreamed of. He was in a vulnerable living situation and unexpected health issues made it challenging to find an affordable and healthy place to live. Fortunately, as a U.S. Air Force and Vietnam Veteran, John qualified to build and purchase a home of his own through Habitat Kent’s Veteran Program. And after his first conversation with Habitat Kent, he knew there was hope for a healthy and stable future.

With the help of dedicated volunteers and the mentorship of Habitat Kent staff, John got to work on his 250 required hours of “sweat equity.” He attended homeowner training, financial education courses, and helped build Habitat homes – including rehabbing the house in south east Grand Rapids that he’ll soon call home. But he didn’t stop there.

Throughout the program, John demonstrated his commitment to giving back. He consistently attended veteran-focused events on behalf of Habitat Kent and even earned more sweat equity hours than required so he could donate that time to future veteran homebuyers.

“A good attitude will take you a lot further than you can imagine,” John said.

Now John is looking forward to having a quiet, healthy, and safe home where he can host family and friends, and create new memories. He plans to grow a garden in the backyard to cook his vegetarian meals and is thankful to have access to public transportation, a library, and a market all within walking distance of his home.

John gave up his youth to serve our country during one of the most harrowing periods in its history. Through Habitat Kent’s Veteran Program, John is healing, growing, and building a better future. He believes his best years are yet to come.

“I’m really glad that I’m able to finally finish this journey and hopefully start a better one in the future.”

Thank you for giving back to those who have given so much for all of us. Thank you for giving John a warm welcome home.

Tags: home dedication, homeowner, veteran program, veterans
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
https://www.habitatkent.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/H4H_Kent_Logo.png 0 0 Luke Ferris https://www.habitatkent.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/H4H_Kent_Logo.png Luke Ferris2018-07-20 12:14:052018-07-23 11:05:16New Beginnings
You might also like
Confidence
Milestones
Responsibility
GRPS Students Build Habitat Home
Transformation
Stability
Mazarah & Sofia
Jawaan

Latest News

  • Turning a House into a Home: Linda’s Story January 5, 2023
  • “A Safe Place to Call Our Own” December 15, 2022
  • Work with a Purpose : Celebrating Bill and his 21 Years of Service! December 13, 2022
  • 19 households become homeowners with your help: annual impact report 2022 November 18, 2022
  • Quanette’s Homeownership Journey September 27, 2022

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Instagram

No images available at the moment

Follow Me!

Search

A Home Can Change Lives

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

  • Main Office:

    425 Pleasant St. SW
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    (616) 774-2431

  • Main Office Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 10am – 2pm*

    *Visits at all other times are by appointment only.

  • ReStore South: Division

    5701 Division Ave S
    Wyoming, MI 49548
    (616) 531-4591

  • ReStore North: Alpine

    5920 Alpine Ave NW
    Comstock Park, MI 49321
    (616) 647-9292

  • ReStore Hours:

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

  • ReStore Donation Drop-Off Hours:

    **PLEASE NOTE: DONATION HOURS CURRENTLY VARY DUE TO STAFFING

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. Site by CurlyHost.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Strong Futures Habitat Kent Welcomes Bev Thiel as New Executive Director
Scroll to top

Interested in this house? Get a pre-qualification letter from a participating mortgage lender participating within our program requirements:

  • Mercantile Bank, Staci Nichols
  • Choice One Bank, Bonnie Potter
  • Mortgage 1, Dan Grzywacz , or
  • Click here to see a list of MHSDA-approved lenders

Veteran Homeownership Application Request

Home Repair Wait List

Group Interest Survey

  • Habitat for Humanity of Kent County provides a variety of volunteer opportunities which can vary depending on the group size, age restrictions, season and general availability. Construction opportunities are full day commitments. Should you prefer a partial day activity or volunteers to work in shifts you will be scheduled for specific tasks or in one of our 3 ReStore locations.
  • Age restrictions apply to certain projects and will be enforced. Most tasks require volunteers to be at least 16 years old. Specific jobs may allow other ages. These restrictions will be indicated by a member of the volunteer services department when a date is offered.
  • Please acknowledge that you understand groups may not be confirmed until 30-60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE AGREED UPON by our volunteer services department. Due to the volume of requests for volunteer opportunities, we will ask that you agree/disagree to the date we offer within a week’s time (unless otherwise noted in our email). This ensures we can look for an alternative date if necessary and place you within a timely fashion.
  • After the completed form is submitted expect to be contacted by a member of our volunteer services department within one week.