FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2025
Contact:
Devonna Almagro | Director of Communications
(619) 283-4663 x125
devonna.almagro@sandiegohabitat.org
Media Release
Community Unites for San Diego Habitat for Humanity’s 2025 Veterans Build
San Diego, CA — San Diego Habitat for Humanity’s 2025 Veterans Build is underway, bringing together hundreds of volunteers, staff, and community partners from November 3 through 20 to complete critical home repairs for three veteran families across San Diego County.
Over the course of three weeks, volunteers are honoring local veterans by improving the safety, accessibility, and livability of their homes. The annual Veterans Build is one of San Diego Habitat’s largest volunteer efforts of the year—celebrating service, community, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home.
“Our veterans have given so much in service to our country, and at Habitat, we’re proud to serve them in return,” said Kwofi Reed, President and CEO of San Diego Habitat for Humanity. “Veterans Build is about restoring dignity, safety, and peace of mind for those who’ve sacrificed for all of us. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when a community comes together to build hope.”
San Diego County is home to nearly 240,000 veterans, one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. Yet many veterans, particularly those living on fixed incomes, struggle to afford the repairs and modifications needed to maintain their homes. Through its VetRepair Program, San Diego Habitat helps veteran homeowners thrive by creating healthier, safer, and more sustainable living environments through repairs that enhance health and safety, energy efficiency and weatherization, and long-term sustainability.
This year’s Veterans Build is supporting three veteran homeowners and their families:
Clement, a U.S. Army veteran, and his sister Rosie are receiving critical electrical upgrades to improve safety within their San Diego home. Volunteers are clearing debris, repairing and replacing fencing, landscaping, and painting the home to further weatherize the property. The team is assembling a shed, building garden boxes, and installing a flagpole requested by Clement, while redesigning the backyard to make it safer and more accessible.
Jim, a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War, and his wife Pat are receiving critical tree trimming and siding repair and replacement to help weatherize and protect their El Cajon home. Volunteers are clearing debris, leveling the yard, painting the house, building garden boxes, and repairing fencing. The team is also creating a paver pathway, building a deck to cover an unused hot tub, and installing a new shed foundation and shed repairs that will allow them to continue living safely and comfortably in their home as they age.
Ann, a U.S. Army veteran, and lifelong Girl Scout leader, is receiving a new garage door to replace her original 50-year-old one, along with an ADA-accessible bathroom and grab bars for added safety. Volunteers are painting the home for additional weatherization, removing an old playground structure, building garden boxes, and installing a flagpole Ann had long dreamed of adding to her yard—making the space safer, brighter, and more meaningful for her and her troop.
“We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work San Diego Habitat volunteers are doing to renovate our home,” said Rosie, sister of U.S. Army veteran Clement. “As a family on a limited budget, we never imagined we could have a safe, comfortable, and beautiful home like this. Every repair, coat of paint, and improvement reflects Habitat’s dedication to our country and our community. It’s given us more than a renovated house; it’s given us hope, stability, and renewed pride in our home”
“Sunrun is honored to once again partner with San Diego Habitat for Humanity to uplift the heroes who’ve served our nation,” said Jeanne Steele, Chief People Officer at Sunrun. “Our employees take great pride in giving back to the communities where we live and work. Veterans Build reflects the spirit of service that drives our company — bringing people together to create safer, more sustainable homes and a stronger future for San Diego’s veteran families”
Through the support of Sunrun, community partners, and the generosity of donors and sponsors, San Diego Habitat has raised more than $150,000 this year to sustain its VetRepair Program. These funds will continue to provide essential home repairs, safety upgrades, and weatherization improvements for veterans year-round, ensuring lasting impact long after this year’s build concludes on November 20.
Since launching Veterans Build locally, San Diego Habitat has engaged hundreds of volunteers and dedicated thousands of hours to improving homes for veterans and their families. The initiative not only demonstrates the power of community partnership and collective gratitude, but also strengthens community bonds and preserves affordable housing stock for those who’ve served.
About San Diego Habitat for Humanity
People in our community partner with San Diego Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners build their homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With our help, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.
Habitat for Humanity exists through volunteer labor and contributions of money, land, and materials. For more information, visit www.sandiegohabitat.org or call 619-283-HOME (4663).
###
