An essential military-related task took place in Canton in November. In this operation, an important set of items was handed over to a receiving party. Keys. They unlocked the doors to a new 1,933 square-foot home gifted to U.S. Marine veterans Shandrika and Juval Shreves.
The donated home is part of Operation Homefront, a San Antonio, Texas-based nonprofit organization that supports military families through housing, food and financial assistance, as well as a variety of other programs.
The Shreves said the new home was a dream come true and a relief. The couple met during basic training, served four years and now have two children.
“It’s such a big deal,” said Shandrika in a statement. “We get to go to bed without suffering, and struggling and contemplating.”
The concept of Operation Homefront was inspired by military spouses in 2002 to support family members deployed after Sept. 11, said Jason Moody, senior manager of public relations for Operation Homefront.
“They saw a need for military families in transition,” said Moody. “That led to the creation of the organization in 2012. One of our other programs [provided] critical and financial assistance. We saw those needs and efforts of relief.”
Operation Homefront has a Southeast office in midtown Atlanta.
According to Moody, 670 families have been placed nationally in free homes. The Shreves home was donated by Meritage Homes.
“This is the 13th home with Meritage and the first for us with this partnership in Georgia,” said Moody. “All other homes are in Texas, California Colorado, Arizona, North Carolina and Florida.”
Homeowners participate in a two-year program after which they receive a deed to the home. In the meantime, the residents receive counseling services in debt reduction and savings, and guidance in becoming active in their communities.
In addition, they are responsible for house maintenance and minor repairs, property taxes, homeowner association fees, insurance and home warranty.
Graduates from the program total 550 families, said Moody.
“That’s nearly $83 million in associated home equity value,” he added.
operationhomefront.org
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