As the year nears an end, it is a natural thing to count our blessings, take stock of where we have been fortunate, and in turn, reach out to help others. I recently learned of an outreach going on in Waxhaw that might speak directly to you.
Army Sgt. Jonathan Roberts was severely injured more than two years ago in Iraq. He was involved in an automobile accident that left him in a coma for three months. When Jon regained consciousness, he was unable to lift so much as a finger. When doctors recommended sending him to a nursing home, Jon's parents refused. He was released into their care and they came to live with his aunt and grandparents in Waxhaw.
Jon's parents, Steve and Heidi Roberts, are missionaries sponsored by JAARS. Steve applied for housing help from Homes for Our Troops, which provides renovations and new homes for soldiers disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan. A large grant enabled the organization to commit to several new projects, including a home for the Roberts family.
The Union County Homebuilders Association is providing assistance, and this story came to my attention when the association sent out a news release to let people know about progress.
I spoke with Marty Griffin of the Union County Homebuilders Association, who filled me in on more details.
The house being built for Jon and his family is going up on land owned by Jon's grandfather. So far every bit of it has been built with donations of labor, materials and cash for necessary supplies. The house is about halfway completed; it's closed in, with Sheetrock on the walls.
It's built with wide doors, hallways and other features to accommodate Jon's wheelchair and other basic needs.
Marty quietly spoke of his own motivation in participating in the project. He told of a 23-year-old man who has had most of life's everyday pleasures taken from him as a result of serving his country.
Jon's progress has exceeded the expectations of his doctors. He is in a wheelchair and able to communicate largely with the aid of a computer. Marty feels he and others on the project are an instrument of God's will in providing Jon and his family an environment where he can more fully enjoy life.
The project is at a point where more donations will speed the work. Kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, railings, posts, columns, flooring and carpeting are a few items that would be very useful in the next few months. Cash donations are always helpful, and the Union County Homebuilders Association channels every cent received into the project.
Readers are invited to visit www.unioncountyhba.net. Click on the link to Homes for our Troops project.
On that Web site, Rusty Tanner, president of Union County Homebuilders Association, says, "A lot of people want to support our wounded soldiers, but don't know where to begin. Our association was inspired by Jonathan's story and we are glad to be a part of this project."
The association provides a long list of companies and individuals who have contributed, and makes the following invitation to others interested in donating: "Upon request, a project volunteer is available to provide an on-site tour of the construction site and explain how the home is being constructed to support Jonathan and his recovery efforts."
If individuals or companies would like to support the construction of Jonathan's home, call the Union County Home Builders Association at 704-296-0404, or Homes for Our Troops at 1-866-7-TROOPS. All donations are tax deductible.
