Empowering military veterans through homeownership and camaraderie.
The Veteran’s Build brings together a cross section of veterans, local civic and business leaders, and volunteers to show recognition to the road home after military service. The road home can often be paved with these financial difficulties. And at Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity we believe that our country’s veterans have made great sacrifices in service to our country and deserve our help. The camaraderie of working along residents to build a Habitat home is a big impact to building a stronger community.
Meet our future homeowner, Pfc. Ana Toro who previously served with the United States Army.
“Keep pushing, don’t settle” – the words that Ana Toro has lived by since she was a teenager. After graduating high school in 1996, Ana was determined to make a better life for herself and enlisted in the United States Army. For the next 8 years Ana served as a Pfc. in flight operations, a male dominated field. Ana was directed to handle the “grunt work” day in and day out. This only fueled Ana’s determination to succeed.
Fast forward to 2022, Ana is now a proud single mom of two beautiful daughters. Trinity, a fine arts major and Alina, a teenager, who is an inspiring hula dancer. Committed to playing it forward, Ana is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in social work. But, despite Ana’s determination she is unable to afford the one thing she’s dreamt about – a safe, stable place that is her own. Currently living in a very small 2 bedroom apartment, most nights Alina sleeps with her mom, as the 2nd bedroom is not big enough for 2 single beds. The apartment isn’t large enough to celebrate the holidays and there is no room for family activities. As Alina puts it,” I need my own space”