This week Habitat for Humanity is building a special home in Ackworth. Victor Alvarado, who will be the new owner of the home, is a disabled veteran. The home couldn't have happened without the generosity of the volunteers as well as a special person who donated the land.
Piece by piece, dozens of volunteers are putting up a home for Victor and Myriam Alvarado. The project is fulfilling the dreams of not one, but two veterans' families.
Col. Ashley Ivey served for 31 years. He was shot down during World War II, and after he retired he wanted to donate land to help build a home for a disabled vet. Unfortunately Col. Ivey died this year, but his family and the folks from Habitat for Humanity worked together to make his wish a reality.
"It's hard to stand here and not cry, because I know he'd be so thrilled," said Ivey's niece, Beth Hoeve.
Alvarado was injured stateside while serving in the US Air Force during Vietnam. He heard from his church that Habitat for Humanity wanted to build a home for a disabled vet, and he couldn't believe when he was chosen.
"It's like a gift, a gift from heaven, a gift from him. So we are very honored to be the ones selected to carry on his dream," said Alvarado.
Thursday, Hoeve met the Alvarados and showed them photos of the man who've given so much.
None of this could happen without the dozens of volunteers, like Lani Holloway, who gave up their time to build the home.
"I think it's important for me and other people to take time out of your life and do something for somebody else," said Holloway.
The Alvardos are helping out where they can, and appreciate the generosity of the volunteers as much as they do Col. Ivey's.
"There's no words. We can not thank them enough for what they are doing," said Alvarado.
Work on the home should be done by the end of the week. The dedication ceremony is set for next month, when the Alvarados will have a new house and Col. Ivey's dream will be fulfilled. For more information, click here!
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
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Victor and Myriam Alvarado
