CIVC breaks ground on two new Veteran Tiny Homes on Decatur Street in Lincoln

 

[May 04, 2023] 

Wednesday evening the Central Illinois Veterans’ Commission hosted a brief ribbon cutting ceremony at the next building site for Veteran Tiny Homes. The lot on Decatur Street was donated to the CIVC by Paul and Jackie Campbell and is large enough for two new homes.

As the time approached for the groundbreaking, and group gathered to witness the event, and congratulate the CIVC on the next two homes for veterans. Two neighbors from the block attended the ceremony and both expressed they are excited to have the new, veteran tiny homes on their block. They also believe that what the CIVC is doing for veterans is a true measure of commitment to the veteran population in and out of Logan County.

The brief ceremony began with welcoming comments from CIVC leader Joe Schaler. He said that the outpouring of support from the community is something the CIVC is very grateful for and can’t put into words what it truly means to the organization.

He acknowledged Paul and Jackie Campbell saying that their generosity was tremendous, and he couldn’t say enough about how they have helped the future of our veterans

Schaler said that the building projects will start soon, and of course, volunteers are welcome. He also related that the CIVC is still collecting signed 2 by 4’s for the project. He noted that as they go along, it seems that the children who do board signings through their local schools are becoming more and more artistic. He also joked that signing boards has become an embedded habit for many youngsters, so much so, that when they go to lumber yards with their parents, the sign every board they see.

He said seriously though, the boards that will go into the next two homes contain thousands of signatures and messages. He said theose well wishes and shows of support would go into each home and stay there for a lifetime. He said the veterans know this and it also means a great deal to them that the community has shown them such love and support.

Before the turning of the soil, Schaler asked Pastor Ron Otto to deliver a blessing over the work that will start soon and the recipients who will soon have a new home.

Otto said that he was proud of his community, and he prayed that God would also be proud of what is being done in Lincoln for our veterans. He thanked God for the Campbells and asked that he bless them for their generosity.

As time arrived for the groundbreaking, the Campbells were called to the line of shovels and asked to do the honors of cutting the first sod on the building site.

Joining the Campbells from left to right were the CIVC board members including from left to right Patti Becker, Lincoln City Treasurer Chuck Conzo, Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch, the Campbells, Ret. Colonel Janes P. Allen, Marsha Fernandes, Annie Coers, and Joe Schaler.

After the ceremony was concluded, many stayed for a while talking with the board members and signing 2 by 4’s that will be used in the next two homes.

Fernandes said that the selection process is still underway for the next two recipients and will be announced at a later date. The homes feature one bedroom with an open floorplan living-dining-kitchen area, a full bath, and a laundry room.

If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of a long-term new construction home, visit the CIVC website to find out more about the program.

[Nila Smith]