Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity holds groundbreaking for local veteran

It was an extra special Veteran’s Day for Janene Houskeeper, a Navy veteran, who was joined by members of Habitat For Humanity as well as several other veterans for a groundbreaking on her new home in Webb City.

“I still feel like it feels very unreal,” Houskeeper said. “I feel like I am just hanging out with people doing a groundbreaking for someone else. … It’s really humbling. I am not an impressive veteran by any means, I only did one enlistment. The other veterans are really worthy of that recognition, so I am very humbled by that.”

After a brief ceremony at the Webb City American Legion Post 322, which recognized several former recipients of assistance from Habitat for Humanity—Tim Peay, Marines (Veterans build house); Ronald King, Army (Veterans build house); Louis Foraker, Navy (critical home repair and Owen Corning Roof Deployment); Ralph Beaver, Navy (critical home repair), James Hanson, Air Force (Restore employee) and Ted Donaldson, Air Force (Habitat For Humanity Board Member)—the group made their way to the groundbreaking ceremony.

“We are just trying to make a difference and trying to have an impact,” Donaldson said. “A lot of people don’t realize how great of a community we live in. There are a lot of opportunities to serve and a lot of opportunities to find support in the community. We are just trying to make connections and find ways to help one another.”

Habitat For Humanity is seeking to put God’s love into action, bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity began in 1989 and built 186 homes and made over 500 repairs for homeowners with housing needs.

“You can visit JoplinHabitat.org,” Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity’s Scott Clayton said when asked how veterans could reach out. “You can stop by where we are at at 5201 N Main St (in Joplin). The ReStore and offices are there. If you are coming out to the ReStore, you can get a great deal and then come over to the office side and talk to us about whatever housing needs you are facing. We do small repairs, large repairs and new home construction, … and we are also here if you just want information on Habitat for Humanity.”