Written by: Christian Turner

UA veterans and students are building hope for homeless veterans in Summit County with the Valor Home.

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, there are roughly 1.5 million veterans at risk of being homeless. The Valor Home is Summit County’s way to reduce the number of veterans on the street.

“This is a great opportunity to bring together a large group of students and volunteers to work together to give back to our community and show the giving spirit of The University of Akron,” Evan Martin said, who is a sophomore Army veteran.

The facility, being built at 1122 Exeter Road in Akron, will house 30 transitional veterans on their journey to finding permanent housing.

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County began building the facility indoors at their warehouse on Romig Road on March 2. Over Spring Break, led by Akron Law student Michelle McBee, student veterans began to take part in the project.

“This is our first attempt at a project of this magnitude…we have been very impressed with the turn out,” said president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Summit County Rochelle Fisher.

On April 14, to kick off National Volunteer Week, UA has reserved an entire day for students to get involved in the massive project. The University will take 50 volunteers to help set the walls built during the month of March in place at the building site of the facility.

Students will meet in the Student Union at 8 a.m. for a safety orientation and breakfast. Transportation to and from the site will be provided, and volunteers are responsible to bringing their own lunch.

No particular skills are required to participate.