Rebuilding a Veteran's Life: A Community's Heartwarming Mission

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, a group of volunteers and veterans have come together to provide a 77-year-old Bloomington man, Stewart Eaton, with a new home after he lost his previous residence in a fire. The project, led by Mike Kelly and a dedicated team, aims to give Eaton a permanent roof over his head and the chance to reclaim his independence and dignity.

Restoring Hope, One Home at a Time

From Homelessness to Homeownership

For the past four years, Stewart Eaton, a Marine Corps veteran, has been living out of his car after a devastating fire destroyed his westside house. Facing the challenges of homelessness, Eaton has been relying on the services of the Wheeler Mission, where he has been eating meals and sleeping on a cot. However, his situation took a turn for the better when a group of compassionate individuals, including April Wittebort and Mike Kelly, learned of his plight and decided to take action.

A Community Rallies to the Cause

When Eaton faced the prospect of losing his property due to a court order to clear away accumulated junk and debris, he turned to social media for help. Wittebort, a mother of four, saw his plea and immediately sprang into action, driving to the site and finding Eaton asleep in his car, surrounded by the remnants of his former home. Moved by his situation, she knew she had to do something.

Veterans Helping Veterans

Mike Kelly, another U.S. military veteran, also saw Eaton's plea for assistance and responded without hesitation. Over the course of a week, Kelly loaded and hauled away more than a ton of debris, helping Eaton comply with the court order and avoid losing his property. However, Kelly recognized that Eaton's living situation was unacceptable, and he teamed up with Ryan Mader to embark on a mission to get Eaton housed.

A Collaborative Effort

The project soon gained momentum as more individuals and organizations joined the cause. John Duell, a veteran of Habitat for Humanity home construction, heard about Eaton's situation and took on the role of heading the crew of workers at the building site. An architect provided blueprints for free, while a local lawncare business cleared the overgrowth on the lot, and a company donated all five windows for the new home.

Stretching Resources to the Fullest

The construction team is a mix of experienced volunteers and men from a sober-living residence where Mader works, who are being paid for their labor. This approach not only keeps costs down but also provides opportunities for some of the workers to gain valuable skills and secure permanent employment. Eaton has contributed his $100,000 savings to the project, but the total cost is estimated at $140,000, and the team is constantly seeking ways to save money, such as purchasing a bathroom vanity at the Habitat ReStore for half price.

Overcoming Challenges, One Step at a Time

As the construction progresses, the team faces the challenge of completing the project within the limited funds available. They are hopeful that they can secure funding from the Veteran's Administration or the Area 10 Agency on Aging for the ramp, and they are actively seeking donations of labor and money to cover the remaining costs for drywall, insulation, vinyl siding, and appliances.

A Brighter Future Ahead

Despite the obstacles, the team remains determined to get Eaton into his new home as soon as possible. Mader has observed that Eaton seems "not as grumpy" as he monitors the progress, a testament to the hope and optimism that this project has instilled in him. The 1,050-square-foot home, complete with a screened-in front porch, a carport, and ramps to the front and back doors, will provide Eaton with a safe and comfortable living space, where he can finally sleep in his own bed, cook his own meals, and store his insulin in a refrigerator in his own kitchen.As the community continues to rally around Eaton, this heartwarming story serves as a shining example of how compassion and collective action can transform the lives of those in need, especially our nation's veterans who have sacrificed so much for their country.