Combat veteran group building house for homeless veterans in Roanoke

Project is the dream of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Blue Ridge.

ROANOKE, Va. – A few years ago, the Roanoke region worked to end veteran homelessness altogether. But according to the Trust House, homeless veterans are still popping up around the city.

Now a lot in northwest Roanoke is on its way to becoming a safe haven for a local homeless veteran. The project is the dream and design of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Blue Ridge Chapter.

"We ride motorcycles as fun, and along the way we try to help veterans out. Our motto is vets helping vets," said Scott Miller, with the chapter. 

By the end of this year, the lot will hold a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for a veteran in need. And this project really is a community effort--all the labor and supplies have been donated.

"It became overwhelming, the support from the community, everybody coming together and wanting to be involved. It's just unbelievable," said Miller. 

Look around the construction zone, and as Scott says, you'll find plenty of generosity. The lot was donated, 84 Lumber is donating the framing, and two local companies have stepped up to give back.

"It's not about profit. This is about housing. It's about housing the people that support our country and our way of life, and I couldn't be more proud to be part of it," said Peter Fields, with Fields Construction. 

"When we heard that we would be supporting a combat vet who's in need and their family, and that this house will always be used for a vet that's in need, and it's right in our backyard, we definitely wanted to be involved," said D.J. Ostrom, with Ostrom Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Air.

When the home is finished, the Trust House will take over and bring a vet back home, a labor of love for countless community organizations and combat veterans taking shape on 10th Street.