Nail by Nail for the American Dream
Rolling up sleeves, trading in stethoscopes for hammers, and learning new craftsman skills is how the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System team gave back on their day off.
Recognized beyond the walls of healthcare, the saying, ‘We are here because of the brave,” was proudly acted out during a recent Habitat for Humanity home building for local U.S. Army Reserves Veteran Melissa Royal and her children.
Struggling to find a house for over a year, Melissa was faced with the harsh reality of possibly having to leave the place she always had called home. With her last string of hope left, Habitat for Humanity saved her from moving out of the state and providing her a home of her very own in sunny West Palm Beach.
Over the course of eight months, she too will be throwing carpenter gloves on to build her very own home as part of the Habitat for Humanity partnership. She says, “I have a whole new gratitude for volunteering now. I can’t thank enough for all the volunteers coming out, but most importantly their time. I feel so excited and humbled by all those who have come together to build my home.”
Watching the transformation from just dirt to cement poured and now a complete structure frame with a roof has been “Absolutely life-changing” put best by Melissa’s son, Jaden Smith.
The weight that has been completely lifted from the U.S. Army Reserve Veteran’s shoulders to provide her children a home of their own has completely dissolved. This feeling of relief and stability is one that is naturally felt once Habitat for Humanity steps in to make the dream come true.
That dream would not be possible without the community coming together. Manuela Guerrero, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, believes, “You have to have a passion and a big heart to want to be a part of this. Today is the very first time the VA is meeting Melissa, but deep down they understand her struggle and the fact that they are part of today is truly an amazing energy. It is a powerful moment.”
This new home is a foundation where Melissa and her children will set their roots and grow. To be a part of something that will impact Veterans and their families for decades to come, is one of the missions VA continues to pursue to go beyond healthcare to support Veterans right down the road.
One of the VA home builder volunteers herself, Arti Pendaya, Social Work Section Chief for the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, says with a wide grin, “My job is my passion, serving Veterans is my passion. This opportunity is grassroots, this is what we should be doing. This is equally important as our healthcare services, to be in the lives of our Veterans that we serve.”
As each nail was hammered and each plank of wood measured, the VA team exchanged laughter and pats on the back with one another but most importantly with Melissa and her son. The team took home more than home building lessons, they learned about a local Veteran and her family, a connection so special and rare when formed outside of a healthcare appointment.
The West Palm Beach VA is not just a building on the hill; where Veterans are located across the community the team goes even if that means sleeves must be rolled up and hands may get dirty.
Taking a step back and looking at the volunteers piecing the last parts of her roof together, Melissa can’t help but take it in and share, “We [Veterans] are not forgotten. I have a new appreciation for the VA.”
With just a few home finishings needed, soon Melissa and her children will enjoy a backyard for grilling, a roof over their heads and the blessing of security of a home to call their own – truly the American dream deserved by the American hero.