Los Angeles, CA — Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) is proud to collaborate with Heroes Linked to honor and serve local hero, Albert Lopez. On Saturday, November 18, 2023, along with Habitat LA staff, six Medal of Honor Recipients and 10 additional volunteers from Heroes Linked will provide critical home repairs to Mr. Lopez’s home in Lynwood, CA.
Mr. Lopez lives with his wife and four-year-old daughter. He is a 38-year-old former U.S. Army Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient who served in Korea and then Iraq. During his service in the 31st Infantry Regiment “Polar Bears”, 10th Mountain Division in Iraq, a Humvee in which he was traveling was struck by an IED. Mr. Lopez’s wounds were so severe that they resulted in his end of active service with the U.S. Army and a 100% disabled rating from the VA.
The upcoming volunteer day will focus on impactful renovations and repairs to the exterior home, including roof replacement and fascia repair and painting. Not only will this day focus on giving back, but the exterior improvements will help alleviate health and safety issues for years to come. This special day of service is a result of Habitat LA’s Habitat for Heroes program. Established in 2011, the outreach program seeks to assist, engage, educate, and serve Veterans, active-duty members, and their families year-round.
“Veterans like Albert Lopez understand the meaning of selfless service. It is our pride and joy to help transform his home and the homes of other military families through Habitat LA’s Habitat for Heroes program. Thank you to Heroes Linked and the tremendous veteran volunteers, we look forward to building with you,” said Erin Rank, President and CEO of Habitat LA.
In alignment with Habitat LA’s dedication to local heroes, Heroes Linked is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, those serving, military spouses, and Gold Star families. Robert “Bob” Jerome, Heroes Linked Board Chair says, “We are immensely proud of our Heroes Home Repair Program and how it uplifts the lives of service-disabled veterans and their families, allowing them to live out their lives in their own homes in safety and security.”
More than 4,000 veterans have volunteered with Habitat LA, and over 275 have benefited from their housing services. Habitat LA is committed to providing more opportunities for veterans and active-duty members of the military, and encourages everyone to get involved with Habitat for Heroes.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) transforms neighborhoods throughout greater Los Angeles by bringing the community together to build affordable homes, provide critical home repairs and help families rebuild after natural disasters. Habitat LA strengthens families through helping them access affordable loans, housing counseling and down-payment assistance. For more information about Habitat LA visit https://www.habitatla.org/.
About Heroes Linked
Heroes Linked, formerly known as the MVAT Foundation, is dedicated to assisting those serving, veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star families with services covering post-service career development through its Heroes Network program, safe housing through its Heroes Home Repair program, and grant-based assistance to the college-bound children of the fallen through its Heroes Gold Star College Care program. For more information about Heroes Linked visit https://www.heroeslinked.org/
Media Contact:
Makebra Bridges
Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications
Mbridges@habitatla.org
562-455-5804
James Colbert
Executive Director
Heroes Linked
jcolbert@heroeslinked.org
818-213-1090