Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona

Richard, an 83-year-old disabled combat veteran, dedicated 17 years of his life serving in the United States military. He comes from a deeply rooted military family. Growing up, Richard watched as two of his brothers served in the Navy, two served in the Air Force, and one brother served in the Army. They proudly served in WWII, Korea, and one brother was stationed in England for most of his career. Richard was proud of his brothers and knew he wanted to follow in their footsteps. Richard eventually surpassed his brothers by serving in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps! After retiring, Richard and his wife Rosemary decided to buy a manufactured home and settled in the West Valley. They have lived in their home for 15 years. They are well known in the community for their kindness and beautiful garden. Rosemary often delivers plates of food to the elderly, single residents in the community, and does not shy away from offering a helping hand, no matter how big or small. 

In 2025, Richard and Rosemary started having some plumbing issues. They tried a couple of handymen to save some money, but nobody was able to fix the issue. Rosemary saw a flyer for Habitat for Humanity’s repair program and decided to give us a call. Through Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place Program and their partners, Richard and Rosemary have had plumbing repairs, roof repairs, and a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of their home. 

Habitat for Humanity is making a significant impact on the lives of seniors like Richard through its Aging in Place program. The program provides essential services, including replacing broken HVAC systems, small repairs for safety, grab bars installation, tub-to-shower conversions, and roof replacements. These services are made possible through generous donations from the community and the help of volunteers who contribute their time and resources to ensure that seniors like Richard do not go without the essentials necessary for comfortable living.

Richard's journey highlights several key takeaways about the importance of addressing the needs of seniors and veterans, understanding the impact of community support, and being proactive in seeking help and resources. With Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona's support, Richard received plumbing repairs, roof repairs, and a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of his house that transformed his living conditions and restored his sense of dignity and comfort.

However, Richard's story is not unique. Many seniors and veterans face similar challenges when trying to access help for home maintenance and other essential needs. Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona and its supporters and donors can play a vital role in addressing these issues by contributing their time, skills, and financial resources. 

When you invest in Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, you are helping veterans, seniors, and hardworking families remain safely in the homes they have worked so hard to build. Together, we can preserve independence, restore dignity, and ensure that more neighbors like Richard and Rosemary have a safe, stable place to call home for years to come.