Veteran Family Receives New Home Through Homes for Heroes

Rosa Sherwood was overwhelmed with joy when she entered her new home on Thursday. The sight of a new dishwasher filled her with delight. “I’m officially not the dishwasher anymore!” she expressed with happiness. Her husband, Shawn, found a sense of reality placing his sweet tea in the refrigerator. “Now it’s my home,” he reflected.

The Sherwoods and their four daughters received the Portage home from Homes for Heroes. This organization supports veterans and first responders. Shawn, a former petty officer first class in the U.S. Navy, played a significant role during historical events. He witnessed the transportation of Osama bin Laden’s body and experienced a rocket attack in 2011 in Afghanistan. This incident left him with bilateral sciatica, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, tinnitus, and hearing loss. “My back was so messed up,” Shawn explained. “I move a lot to keep my back from acting up.”

Recently, the Sherwoods were celebrated at an event marking this generous gift by the Building Homes for Heroes program. During this celebration, they showed appreciation with smiles. A photo credited by Kyle Telechan captures this joyful moment.

The family is supported by their service dogs. Shawn has Mac, a blue Doberman, while Rosa, who is legally blind, relies on Daisy, a German shepherd. The Homes for Heroes team took care to include a jar of dog biscuits in their new home.

Homes for Heroes has transformed over 465 homes in 20 years, aiming for 500 by Christmas, as noted by Rusty Smallwood, Director of Construction. Recently, another home was donated to a veteran in Mokena, Illinois. Highlighting the importance of establishing roots, Smallwood stated, “These homes give veterans the start they deserve.” JP Morgan Chase contributed the house, marking it as part of their goal to donate 1,000 homes to veterans.

Ernie Shanders from JP Morgan Chase conveyed his gratification, saying, “Welcome home.” He emphasized the stability and financial health that home ownership provides. “We send a message to those who served: You are valued and supported,” he affirmed.

Shawn expressed, “It’s truly an honor to be given a home.” Prior circumstances made obtaining a house challenging. “Now we’re in our forever home,” he declared with contentment. The new home includes contributions from Lowe’s, which provided materials and labor. Sharon Paige, the store manager at Lowe’s, fondly remembered Shawn and helped with the final touches, including adding a mailbox and grill accessories.

Stepping onto the deck, Shawn anticipated the enjoyment ahead. Gabby, their 15-year-old daughter, chose a bedroom upstairs, noting the fairness in choices with her sisters. The family’s previous living arrangements involved frequent moves, including a recent stay at their grandmother’s house.

Shawn described the disbelief at receiving a home valued at $250,000 to $300,000. “Last night kind of cemented it,” he said. Contractor George Eizenga and his team transformed the Portage and Mokena homes. The Portage house had been vacant and unwelcoming, but with dedicated effort, it became a welcoming home. Eizenga shared, “When something sits vacant for that long, problems crop up.”

Shawn’s Naval career included roles as a fireman and later as a builder in the Seabees. After over 18 years of service, he was honorably discharged in 2014. Shawn now mentors the next generation as a construction trades teacher at Chesterton High School.