Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity wants to increase the quality of life for the men and women who have served this country. We believe that working with veterans is vital to fulfilling our mission of supporting families and creating healthy neighborhoods. On Monday, September 10, 2012 we began our new outreach initiative to find, and partner with, Twin Cities veterans. Whether a veteran needs a wheelchair ramp, general repairs, or help with foreclosure prevention, we are here to help. Veterans are also encouraged to apply for Twin Cities Habitat's Homeownership Program.

Sergeant Brian Neill was the first veteran we've partnered with in this new effort. Volunteers (many of them veterans themselves) are repairing the siding, painting and pouring a new walkway on Sgt. Neill's Minneapolis home. He is more than deserving of this Brush with Kindness. Sgt. Neill has served in the National Guard for 23 years and suffered serious injuries while deployed to Iraq. During a welcome home ceremony, Senator Al Franken presented Sgt. Neill with several awards for his couragous service.

We want to do everything we can to ensure that veterans like Sgt. Neill are not only welcomed back into their communities, but are able to lead productive, satisfying lives. Research shows that one of the main issues veterans face is finding stable housing. Because we are uniquely equipped to help in this area, we feel that we are in a position to greatly enhance the lives of veterans.