Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity launches Veterans Build 2024

Brisk November air could not keep members of the Women Marines Association from volunteering to help Habitat for Humanity launch its Veterans Build 2024 campaign.

The group worked tirelessly Friday, smoothing and grading the landscape on a steep slope in front of one of five new Habitat for Humanity homes in the 200 block of Skyline Drive, in Carpentersville.

Johanna Ciezczak of Evergreen Park, who served seven years in the Marine Corps from 2008-2015, said she struggled when she got out of the military to find a sense of purpose. “I found that through volunteering with other organizations and WMA was huge for me.”

“Any chance I get to come out and serve with other veterans, especially women veterans, is a win in my book,” Ciezczak said.

The Habitat for Humanity program supports veterans and military families by providing affordable housing, home repairs, and homeownership education.

This year’s event featured more than 200 volunteers from organizations such as Chicago Veterans, The Mission Continues, and Women Marines Association (IL-2), alongside corporate veteran employee groups from Behr Paint Company, Chicago Transit Authority, Wintrust, and more.

“Many veterans are struggling with the challenge of making their homes accessible and safe,” said Major Deanna Love, Ret., who is director of the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs. “Veterans Build is dedicated to addressing these needs with the honor and care our veterans deserve.”