FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2018

San Diego Habitat for Humanity
Ellen Immergut
619-283-4663 x125
ellen.immergut@sandiegohabitat.org

Veterans Build Event Brings People Together to Serve Those Who Have Served Us

Habitat for Humanity, BAE Systems, and the Travis Manion Foundation Repair a Home for Navy Veteran

WHAT: San Diego Habitat for Humanity is honored to be participating in its 2nd Annual Veterans Build event. Veterans Build is a Habitat for Humanity initiative that empowers military and veteran families in over 100 communities throughout the country to achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.

On Saturday, November 10, Habitat for Humanity volunteers will work alongside local employees from leading defense company BAE Systems, and veterans from the Travis Manion Foundation, to repair a home for 20-year Navy veteran Steve Porter, who lives in the Emerald Hills neighborhood of San Diego.

Steve served in the U.S. Navy here in San Diego from 1960 through 1980, retiring as Senior Chief.  While on active duty in 1965, he purchased his own home to create a life with stability. He spent much of his time and effort in the past renovating his home; ten years ago, he constructed a beautiful deck with views of the San Diego Bay and Coronado Bridge where now he spends his afternoons.

Over time, the repairs needed on his home have surpassed Steve’s ability to fix them himself.  His home is now in need of a new roof and plumbing fixtures. The exterior is in need of some additional updates.

During this Veterans Build event, a total of 20 volunteers will work on landscaping and exterior improvements that will enable Steve to better maintain his property and give him a sense of pride of ownership. Habitat will also be replacing the roof to keep Steve safe, warm, and dry this winter, and for many winters to come.

Steve will soon be able to continue enjoying his deck in the afternoons worry-free and that his home will remain healthy and safe for many years to come.

Habitat for Humanity serves veterans all year long through its VetRepair program.

WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 2018 | 8:15am – 3:30pm

WHERE: 5526 Creston Drive | San Diego, CA 92114

Schedule of Activities:
Brief welcome and safety briefing from 8:15am – 8:30am
Volunteers working on construction/available for interviews from 8:30am – 11:30am
Lunch from 11:30pm – 12:00pm
More volunteer construction from 12:00pm – 3:30pm

Available for Interviews:
Lori Holt Pfeiler | President/CEO, San Diego Habitat for Humanity
David Thomas | Vice President/General Manager, BAE Systems Ship Repair
Heather Kelly | Manager, West Region, Travis Manion Foundation

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.  For more information, visit www.sandiegohabitat.org or call 619-283-HOME (4663).

About the Travis Manion Foundation
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis’ legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, “If Not Me, Then Who…”

Guided by this mantra, veterans and survivors continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes live on in the next generation.  Visit www.travismanion.org for more.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defense, aerospace, and security solutions. The company employs a skilled workforce of 83,200 people in more than 30 countries. Working with customers and local partners, BAE Systems develops, engineers, manufactures, and supports products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure. Visit www.baesystems.com for more.

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