Habitat’s first Tampa Veterans Build home built by veterans for a veteran is completed
Veterans Build partner Bank of America will present the key to the home at a Feb. 22 dedication.
TAMPA, FL, February 18, 2019 – Nearly 12 weeks after the first veteran volunteers arrived at the construction site to begin building a home for a fellow veteran, the first Habitat for Humanity “Veterans Build” home in Hillsborough County is finished. U.S. Army veteran Adam Damewood and his wife, Nanci, will receive the key to the completed house on Friday, February 22, 2019 from Bill Goede, Bank of America’s Tampa Bay President. Bank of America is a key partner in Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County’s ongoing “Veterans Initiative” program, which includes Veterans Build new home construction and home preservation projects throughout the year for low-income homeowners.
During all phases of construction, which officially began November 12th, volunteers from several veterans groups and employees of Bank of America contributed over 1,000 hours to help build the home. The Mission Continues, The Wounded Warrior Project and Team Rubicon were among the veterans groups that worked at the Veterans Build site. A team of active duty servicemen and women from MacDill Air Force Base also volunteered for the Veterans Build.
“While Bank of America is a longtime partner of Habitats across the country, the Veteran Build program with Habitat of Hillsborough is particularly meaningful to us. We have many active and retired military employees as well as Tampa Bay being the home of MacDill Air Force Base,” said Bill Goede. “We are so happy to be a part of bringing stable housing to the Damewoods and appreciate Adam’s service to our country.”
The Damewoods completed 375 sweat equity hours on Habitat build sites in lieu of a down payment and attended 10 homeowner preparation classes as required by their agreement with Habitat Hillsborough. After the dedication ceremony, the Damewoods will sign their closing documents to purchase their affordable mortgage before moving into the home.
“Having the opportunity to move into a secure home that my spouse, Nanci, and I can afford, without constant worry about housing or financial instability, provides us the foundation where we can thrive and focus on our future goals,” said Adam Damewood. “I would like to express my gratitude to the home sponsors for not only sponsoring our home build, but for their continued dedication toward helping provide opportunities for other veterans in need of assistance.”
The home was built on land in the Ybor City area donated to Habitat Hillsborough by the City of Tampa. Other Veterans Build partners include Hancock Whitney, Robert and Sara Poore in honor of veteran Raymond Brown, Disabled Veterans National Foundation and Johnson & Johnson Technology.
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About Habitat Hillsborough’s Veterans Build
Habitat Hillsborough supports local veterans through homeownership, home repair and volunteer programs. We also connect military veterans more deeply with their community through volunteer service opportunities.
Through volunteer groups from The Mission Continues, Team Rubicon and The Wounded Warrior Project who assist us on our build sites, Habitat Hillsborough has also become increasingly aware of the need for veterans to reintegrate back into their communities after military service. By establishing our Veterans Initiative, we hope to assist and empower local veterans with homeownership solutions and opportunities to partner with Habitat on service projects that help make a transformational impact for families in our community.
About Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County
With a 4-star Charity Navigator rating, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County builds and renovates homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of decent, affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global housing ministry that seeks to put God’s love into action, bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County has partnered with homeowners and the community to build or renovate more than 200 homes. Families and individuals qualify for the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program based on need, willingness to partner in the program through sweat equity hours and completion of homeowner classes, and the ability to pay an affordable, zero-interest mortgage. For more details on Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County, visit HabitatHillsborough.org or call 813-239-2242.
About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News
