Local Businesses Help Give Army Veteran his Dream Home

Hillside resident and Army veteran Sergio Lopez returned from his service in Iraq, but his physical condition was much different than it was when he went there. A roadside bomb took both of his legs.

But his dream of owning a home will still become reality. The Hillside Disabled Veterans Home Project, a nonprofit organization formed in 2009, is spearheading the overall construction of a new home for the Lopez family. Construction will wrap up on Oak Avenue in July after more than a year of planning and fund-raising. Dozens of local unions, contractors, community members, businesses, suppliers and others have donated their time and efforts to ensure the Lopez family will be able to live there free of charge. Plote Construction Inc. is the builder.

Consolidated Garage Doors of Batavia and LiftMaster of Elmhurst are among the many business that got involved, and they are giving Lopez, his wife and two daughters a brand new garage door and opener system.

Now, with an attached garage, the Lopez family will most likely use the garage door as the primary entrance to the home. The state-of-the-art garage door opener system will ensure that the Lopez family has access to their new home even if the power goes out.

“We were truly moved by this family and how the community stepped in to show appreciation. We signed on to help as soon as we caught word of the project,” said Mike Matuszek, president and owner of Consolidated Garage Doors.

“Through the years of our partnership, Mike has shared his concerns for our many veterans and we are grateful he called on us to support and help the Lopez family, as they have sacrificed so much,” said Sally Anderson, vice president, channel marketing, LiftMaster ProVantage. “If we can help the Lopez family achieve greater freedom and control in and around their new home, we will have reached our goal.”

A dedication of the home was held June 29.