St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity is taking applications for a veteran in need of affordable housing. The one-month application period is open to a veteran who has served in any of the United States military branches and qualifies under the program’s three basic requirements.

“Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build program recognizes the unique housing challenges veterans face as they return to civilian life,” SCVHFH Executive Director Kristie Smith said. “We believe every veteran deserves to be welcomed home with dignity, honor and respect. This program serves military veterans in need of safe, affordable shelter.”

Application requirements include need, ability to pay an affordable mortgage and willingness to contribute sweat equity (volunteer hours) to the project.

U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant and St. Croix County Veterans Service Officer Phillip Landgraf completed his four-year active-duty as an E-5 Sergeant, after deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, and says he sees housing costs as one of the biggest challenges for veterans returning to civilian life.

“The gap between military pay and civilian salaries can be significant, so a costly down payment, coupled with expensive housing prices in our communities, can make home ownership out of reach for many of us,” Landgraf said.

National Low Income Housing Coalition statistics show more than 1.5 million veterans pay at least 50% of their income for housing.

“We have a lot of veterans who are struggling, especially younger veterans,” American Legion Post 121 Commander (River Falls) Larry Larson said. “Coming back from the Gulf War has been tough. They need this help.”

The River Falls resident, who served in the U.S. Army from 1973-1990, said the regimented routine of military life combined with combat service can make the transition even harder.

Applications for the Veterans Build, a two-bedroom, one bath, single-level home, will be accepted through Feb. 29. The application can be found online at scvhabitat.org/homebuyer-information.

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity helps families with safe, affordable housing. In 1996, community members recognized the critical need to bring people together to build housing, communities and hope and founded the local, nonprofit Habitat affiliate. In its tenure, SCV Habitat for Humanity has partnered with more than eighty-four families in Pierce and St. Croix Counties to help achieve the goal of home ownership. Visit scvhabitat.org for homeowner and volunteer information and to support the mission to help families on the path to generational wealth.

Submitted by St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity