As news broke that Habitat for Humanity was building a home for Army Sgt. and double Bronze Star recipient Brian Wood, some homeowners in the designated neighborhood–Morton in Greater Peoria, IL–balked and said the house “wouldn’t fit in with their community.”
The central problem is that the neighborhood in which Wood’s home was to be built was all brick, but the Habitat home was going to be brick on one side and vinyl on the others. A 70-year old female Morton resident started a petition to stop construction plans.
But things changed when residents learned of Wood’s two tours in Afghanistan, his two Bronze Stars, and the war injuries that left him with hearing in only one ear. Although the woman who started the petition was indifferent, ABC News reports that other Morton residents are now rallying behind the opportunity to help build Wood’s house.
Moreover, Fox News reports that money is coming in from around the world to help pay for construction.
Appearing on Fox News on September 29, Julie Wood talked of how “hurt” she and her husband were when construction on their home was halted. “We were…crushed,” she said. But now that things are back on track she made it clear she harbors no bad feelings.
She said they cannot wait to meet their new neighbors, even the neighbor who started the petition.
Money continues to be raised for Wood’s home at www.habitatpeoria.org. Credit also goes to U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) who has come to Wood’s side during this struggle and is actively raising money for future homes for other veterans.
Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins.
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