News

Home, Not Alone project nears completion

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Air Force Base Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A Team Robins project is underway that will assist veterans in the local community.

Home, Not Alone is a volunteer-driven effort to build a transition home for veterans who require physical therapy, mental and occupational therapy services, and job search assistance."

There's definitely a need," said Master Sgt. Scott Barton, project volunteer coordinator. "For the build, we've been utilizing our free time on the weekends in order to give back to our community."

A team of 29 base volunteers first began working on the build in mid-March, which is being funded through donations. To date, 65 individuals have committed their weekend time to the Linda Drive project with more than 350 man hours of volunteer effort.

The home, owned by Lighthouse Ministries, has undergone demolition and is ready for its next phase of reconstruction. Up to six residents will live in the two-story house once it's ready.

Their stay will range from short-term to long-term, and will be on a case-by-case basis depending on their needs. Occupational therapists will be on site for therapy and administrative duties. Pre-screening for the home's occupants is currently being conducted by the Carl Vinson Veteran's Administration Medical Center in Dublin.

The application list includes Vietnam-era through Operation Enduring Freedom veterans in need of assistance.

Once the home is completed later this summer, veterans can immediately move in.

Base organizations participating in the project include: Air Force Reserve Command; 5th Combat Communications Group; 78th Communications Directorate; 78th Security Forces; Air Force Sergeants Association; Robins Top 3; Network 56; and Airmen Committed to Excellence.

To learn more about volunteering, contact Master Sgt. Barton at 926-4924 or Staff Sgt. Kevin Beaver at 327-9292.