CHEYENNE, Wyo.–Six local credit unions here are teaming up to make homeownership a reality for a local veteran. The credit unions are partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County to renovate a home on East 7th St. here.
The credit unions noted veteran families, particularly older veterans, often face unique housing challenges, with the National Low Income Housing Coalition finding 24% of households headed by veterans 55 and older are living with housing burdens, paying too much for rent, or living in inadequate or unsafe conditions.
Habitat affiliates nationwide are addressing the issue with their Veterans Build program.
Habitat’s executive director, Kate Wright, said she has been looking for an opportunity to add a Veterans Build to the affiliate’s schedule.
“Cheyenne is an ideal place for a Veterans Build” she said in a statement. “Our community’s strong military culture, and the many veteran families who call Cheyenne home makes the program an excellent fit.”
Eager to Get Involved
According to the credit unions, they were eager to get involved, as many of their employees and members are former or active duty military personnel. WyHy Credit Union, Meridian Trust Cu and Blue FCU have committed to being Platinum Sponsors. Western Vista CU will be the project’s Gold Sponsor, while Cheyenne-Laramie County Employees and UniWyo CU have joined at the Silver Sponsor level.
In addition to financial contributions, each credit union will send teams of associates to help with the renovations.
“They’ll work alongside the veteran partner family Habitat selects to purchase the home with a low-cost, zero-interest mortgage,” the organizations said in a statement. “Applications for home-ownership will be solicited through veteran’s organizations, churches and other groups who engage with the veteran community.”