Veterans help build Habitat home for fellow Navy veteran

Veterans in Virginia Beach helped build a Habitat for Humanity home for one of their own on this Veteran’s Day.

It’s part of the Habitat for Humanity South Hampton Roads Habitat for Heroes program, where they aim to make 25 percent of their home builds for veterans who qualify.

“It touches me a lot because they’re veterans as well and they’re using their day off to come out and help build a house,” said Lydia Mata, a widowed Navy veteran and mother of three. “I wouldn’t be able to afford a house on my own if it wasn’t for my family being able to qualify for Habitat for Humanity so, for us it’s like a dream come true.”

“Helping somebody to be able to rebuild their life is so important, especially after suffering such a great loss,” said Navy veteran and volunteer Michelle Bradford. “If it brings her some happiness, then I’m glad to have been a part of it.”