Other hidden heroes you should know about

Amid a world-wide war waged by an invisible killer against the human race, every eye and heart is on those risking their lives to protect ours. They are our “Front Line” Heroes. But as I have written there are others who fight every day - other wars - on poverty, hunger and affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity is one - a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Rockland County is blessed to be the home of a Habitat chapter whose volunteers have built 9 homes and repaired and modified others in the county so the disabled and senior citizens are able to stay in their homes. They have partnered with us in the past to combat the lack of affordable housing.

Their volunteers worked with us as we turned Camp Shanks into Homes for Heroes - apartments for homeless veterans. Camp Shanks was the largest embarkation port where 13 million GI’s headed for Europe during WWII. It was only fitting that it should again serve our Heroes. Habitat of Rockland volunteers, hammer and saw in hand turned up in mass to convert a collapsing PX/Barbershop building into a conference/recreation center for the veterans living there. It was a total renovation that took all their skills but they were proud to be involved - to pay back to those who served. We are currently raising funds to build the next 14 homes. Habitat of Rockland volunteers will again work with us to upgrade the center for the next group of homeless Veterans to make this their home.Rockland is a fortunate community - blessed with people who have a vision to honor those who have served, without expectations of reward, but out of loyalty to country.Veterans deserve our gratitude and help. To learn more about what will be a Living Memorial to all our veterans and Habitat for Humanity visit www.rocklandhomesforheroes.org & www.HFHR.org