"We love to build a veteran community and a strong community around our post,” said post commander Eric Dunn. "If a veteran can’t afford housing, they can’t be part of this community.”
The partnership is part of a three-year commitment between the two organizations.
The donation will help offset building costs for future homeowners while also supporting outreach programs targeting veterans.Habitat leaders say veterans are facing the same rising costs as many Montanans.
"Veterans are an underserved population, so we want to do more,” said Helena Area Habitat for Humanity executive director Jacob Kuntz.
Habitat for Humanity is currently building 12 housing units this year, with long-term plans to expand production through projects like the Rose Hills development in Helena and East Helena.
Later this month, the groups will host a homeownership workshop at the VFW 10010 Post to help veterans learn about credit, debt management, mortgages, and Habitat’s sweat-equity program.
"It's just a natural partnership that we’d work with the VFW to reach out to veterans to ensure they know that there are programs available in our community to assist with making homeownership a reality,” Kuntz said.
With Montana continuing to face a growing housing affordability crisis, both organizations say this partnership is just the beginning of a longer effort to create more opportunities for veterans and families in the community.