Program Gives Veteran Discounted House

From the Daily Herald

Program provides soldier with discounted home

By Georgia Evdoxiadis Garvey Daily Herald Staff

Published: 9/26/2007 12:17 AM

The building on Phillip Drive in Zion has been a house for some time.
But when former Marine Sgt. Miguel Delgado, his wife, Cristhian, and daughter Ohani move in this week, that's when the structure becomes a home.
And when one wounded Iraq war veteran's dreams come true.
"That's always been our plan, to buy a home," Miguel Delgado said, noting their income made it seem impossible. "It means the world to us."
That gratitude became the theme of the day Tuesday, when Deer Point Homes and the Wounded Heroes Foundation unveiled the first of three homes provided at a discount designed to make homeownership a reality.
"It's just amazing that so many people have come together," said former Army Sgt. Gabriel Garriga, who will move in just down the street from Delgado when his house is finished. "We're all very grateful for it."
But Richard Pietranek Sr., founder of Deer Point Homes, a Wauconda-based developer, said the gratitude extends in all directions.
"We are here to build the American dream for those who defend it," Pietranek said. "Please don't thank us."
Deer Point Homes and its subcontractors provided $150,000 in discounts on three houses in Zion to veterans who were seriously wounded in Iraq.
And the Wounded Heroes Foundation raised $60,000 more in grants, mortgage help and money for essentials for the same veterans.
"We have over 34,000 wounded. Their lives will never be the same again," Wounded Heroes co-founder Anna Sherony said. "Some of them can't even make change at Wal-Mart."
The organization chose the recipients for the houses by matching them with area builders who expressed interest in helping in the areas in which the veterans wanted or need to live.
"You can't listen to their stories without being moved," said Patrick Smith, vice president of Deer Point Homes, remembering the foundation asked at first for a small discount for the veterans. But all the developer's subcontractors donated something to the cause. "It's been such a wonderful experience."
Sherony, who estimated about 40 percent of the houses' costs will be covered by donations, said she hopes to take the housing program national but already has a list of veterans in other areas of Illinois who need the same kind of discounts Deer Point gave.
"If every builder was able to do that, there would be no heroes without homes, affordable homes," Sherony said.
And though there will be time for more work, everyone said, Tuesday was about giving the Delgados the gift they had been waiting for.
"I'm just anxious," Cristhian Delgado said before the unveiling. "I can't wait to get in there."