Lots for Soldiers assists veterans with American Dream

A small Ohio group called Lots for Soldiers is helping local veterans obtain home ownership.

The nonprofit organization based in Celina, Ohio, was formed in 2014 to provide support and services to current and former members of all branches of the U.S. military. The program is not needs-based; its focus is giving thanks to those who’ve served their country.

How it works

The group donates residential lots where homes can be built for qualifying veterans who are chosen via an application process. Lots for Soldiers also helps coordinate the construction of the homes, which often involves donated labor and discounted materials.

To date, Lots for Soldiers has helped two veterans and their families achieve home ownership in Celina. Lots have been awarded in St. Marys and Rockford, Ohio.; a  home is currently under construction at the Rockford site.

The organization currently has lots for future homes in Celina, St. Marys, Spencerville and Lima, all in West Central Ohio.

Lots for Soldiers was founded by Homer and Carol Burnett and operates on a slim budget. Until recently, meetings took place at area churches and private homes.

Lots for Soldiers gets a home

On Dec. 18, a dedication ceremony and open house was held for the group’s new office, which will be used as a meeting site, work space and resource center. The building is located at 112 N. Vine St., Celina, OH.

The structure was generously donated by local residents Tim and Mary Rosengarten of Armcorp Construction.

Homer Burnett said the group for more than a year had been looking for a location to store donated items and provide office space.

“We were not able to locate anything that was remotely possible with our limited budget,” he said.

After the Rosengartens purchased the former Paysen Electric building and its contents, they offered it to Lots for Soldiers, Burnett said.

“Tim and Mary are very passionate about doing all within their power to aid our military veterans,” he added.

Others who assisted in various ways were T&D Interiors, Eichar-De Curtins VFW Celina Post 5713, Pastor Dillon Staas, Leo Jones, Consolidated Hunter, Comfy Purses and Brew Nation-Celina/The Potter House On Main.

Helping our heroes

To help Lots for Soldiers with signage and to show our support for U.S. military families, Totally Promotional donated a personalized banner. It will be used to identify Lots for Soldiers homes under construction when it’s not gracing the front window of the new office.

Veterans of all ages find it difficult to obtain housing for many reasons. Often these brave men and women — who’ve been away from their families and jobs for months or years while serving — simply don’t have the initial funding to buy a home without assistance.

Even though Lots for Soldiers donates the property, the recipients must be able to finance the new homes. Thanks to donations from local individuals and businesses, veterans and their families typically pay less than the actual value of the home.

For more information

Any military men or women who are interested in applying for a new home at a reduced cost can find details and an application form here.

To volunteer your time and skills or for questions, go to http://www.lotsforsoldiers.com/contact/. You also can find information about Lots for Soldiers on the group’s Facebook page or email [email protected].

What’s your story?

We’d love to hear about more grassroot programs that directly help veterans obtain housing and other services. Please share them with others by leaving a reply below.

God bless our veterans!

Read about other ways the team at Totally Promotional is making a difference by visiting the Totally Giving Back web page.