|
Meet Steve and Deb, Ketchum Cottages Homeowners
Steve, a veteran who served in the Army National Guard for nearly 10 years, and his wife, Deb, are excited to be among the new homeowners in the Ketchum Cottages for Veterans. Initially, they wanted to settle in a more rural location, but after recent health challenges they realized they needed to be closer to medical care. As they searched for affordable housing, they found very limited options. A friend told them about Habitat Clallam’s Veterans Build project, and they soon applied and were selected as one of the four new homeowners.
Steve has particularly enjoyed working with the Habitat construction team. "I love working with Joe, Ben, and long-time volunteer Dick. We’ve built a great camaraderie. They're friendly, fun, and they gave me the time and training to learn how to fix things and build properly," Steve said. The experience has been both rewarding and educational.
For Steve and Deb, their new home offers more than just shelter—it’s a place with much-needed handicap access and, importantly, brings them closer to their eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Our goal is to have them in their new home in plenty of time to celebrate their 40th anniversary this October.
Veterans like Steve make up 9% of Washington State’s population, with 5.8% living in poverty. Additionally, 2.5 million veterans are over 55, and older veterans are nearly 10% more likely to have a disability than non-veterans. The Ketchum Cottages project aims to provide affordable housing to veterans and their families, offering a stable and supportive community.
Steve and Deb’s story highlights the importance of these programs, ensuring veterans have a place to call home as they enjoy their retirement years.
"Having a place we can truly call home, where we can enjoy time with our family means the world to us." –Steve
| 
