Habitat for Humanity gifts new home to Colorado veteran

Just in time for Veterans Day, a very deserving hero has a new home, completely free in Colorado.

Over the weekend, Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity in Colorado Springs gave a new home to Army veteran Willie Bell and his partner, Barbara Hamilton. The organization says this marks the sixth military family to receive a home built through their local program.

Hamilton expressed deep gratitude, saying she felt blessed and finally at home.

Each Habitat for Humanity house requires about 3,000 volunteer hours to complete. The organization that veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life often help with building, giving them opportunities to learn carpentry and electrical work, skills that can be useful for both gaining employment and maintaining a home.

Before getting their new home, Bell and Hamilton had been living in an area they describe as unsafe, where they’ve heard gunfire and had cars stolen. Their previous home also didn’t have air conditioning, which is a risk for Hamilton due to multiple health conditions.

Bell has lived in the area since he was first stationed at Fort Carson in the late ‘80s, and Hamilton’s father and brother also served in the military.