Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is a
Veterans Build Affiliate
Facts about veterans
The National Low Income Housing Coalition finds that 2.5 million veterans heading households are at least 55 years of age. Of those 2.5 million veterans, 24% have housing cost burdens. Unlike our older civilians, our older veterans are more likely to have a disability — 35% versus 28% — which may require home modifications, health and other supportive services as they age.
Our female veteran population is in need as well. According to a report by the National Housing Conference, nearly half of our veterans who are single mothers spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Our female veterans face significant economic and housing challenges and are particularly vulnerable to housing cost burdens compared with our overall veteran population.
Likewise, our most recent veterans who served following 9/11 have returned to a slow-growing economy and rising housing costs. These economic factors have made the transition from military service to civilian life difficult for many of our veterans.
In addition, nearly 4 million of our veterans pay at least 30% of their income toward rent or mortgage, while more than 1.5 million pay at least 50%. As you can imagine, using half of your income to pay your rent or mortgage is an enormous strain on any budget.
How habitat works with veterans
Volunteer Engagement
We bring together veterans, their families, our crew, and the community to provide engaging volunteer opportunities. These provide fulfilling connections and experiences that help ease the transition to civilian life.
Building and Repair
As a Veterans Build Affiliate, we can help veterans apply for funding to support home building and repair projects for themselves and their families. In partnership with Home Depot, Owens Corning, and other contributors, veterans can get help maintaining healthy, affordable housing.
Honor and Respect
Throughout the year, Habitat for Humanity International participates in or host special events that pay tribute to veterans, raise awareness and mobilize volunteers to advocate for affordable housing.
Employment
We value skill sets gained from your military service. We recruit veterans to work at Habitat as employees, Board Members, extended volunteers, AmeriCorps members, interns and fellows.
National level achievements
Habitat for Humanity International has has notable successes and celebrations. We hope to follow their lead, as a new Veterans Build affiliate.
9,097+
The number of veterans and their families who have partnered with us to improve their housing since 2013.
350+
The number of Habitat affiliates that take part in Veterans Build, partnering with veteran support organizations to meet veterans’ needs.
100+
This is how many veteran-serving organizations we are currently partnering with or reaching out to. These organizations allow us to better meet the needs of veterans through our holistic approaches.
70+
The number of Habitat affiliates across 30+ states that participated in Repair Corps projects, resulting in over 1,997 veteran-occupied properties.