Wells Fargo helps Habitat repair local veteran's homes

Habitat for Humanity International and Wells Fargo Housing Foundation have partnered together to complete home repairs for 100 Veterans across the country. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley in partnership with local Wells Fargo employees worked on four homes. The September projects that were completed included installing gutter guards, landscaping, painting, and installing a handrail.

One local Ypsilanti Veteran who welcomed Habitat at his home was Bill Lundy. Bill and his wife, Melonae, have owned their home in the Ypsilanti community for more than 30 years. Bill served four years in the Marine Corps Infantry Rifle Company. During that time he was stationed in six places including Japan and the Philippines. After returning to America, Bill worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years. It was there that he met Melonae. Both have retired from Ford Motor and Bill currently serves as an Assistant Pastor at the Pentecostal Church in Ypsilanti.

During a trip to the Habitat ReStore, a Habitat employee spoke to the Bill and Melonae about the Habitat Home Improvement Programs. Through this partnership Bill and Melonae have received a new roof, a new water heater and furnace, and insulation in their walls. They also participated in the Exterior Home Improvement Day with three other Veteran families in the community.

Bill said to all the volunteers who have helped on his home, “Gratitude is insufficient. I really appreciate the time people took out of their day to contribute to someone else’s home, especially mine.”

Michael and Katherine Starkey are another couple whose home was a part of the Veteran Repair Day. Michael and Kathy have owned their own home for 9 years. Michael was a truck driver for 32 years and is now a computer engineer. Before that Michael served for 4 years in the Marine Corps. He was a cryptographer who was stationed at the Marine Corps Headquarters.

The Starkey’s have had their refrigerator, furnace, and hot water heater replaced through the Habitat Home Improvement Programs. It was during the Exterior Home Improvement Day that Michael said, “I am super grateful for people who would take their Saturday to work on someone else’s home.”