The Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity’s annual Veterans Build is a heartfelt community tradition that brings together veterans, active-duty military personnel, students, civic organizations, and local businesses to support those who have served our country. Each year, this initiative focuses on building or repairing homes for local veterans in need, ensuring they have safe, affordable, and dignified places to live. The 2025 Veterans Build is particularly special, as it honors one of Habitat’s own—Army veteran and longtime volunteer, Ms. Phyllis McCroskey.

Ms. McCroskey served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1993, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-5). Her military career included two tours in Honduras during the 1980s, as well as assignments in Hanau, Germany, and right here at Fort Bragg. In addition to her military service, Phyllis represented the Army as a basketball player, merging her lifelong passion for the sport with her dedication to service. She fondly describes herself as a “career student,” having studied at both Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College, and she continues to nurture her love of learning through gardening, volunteerism, and community engagement.

For more than two years, Phyllis has been a faithful volunteer with the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, lending her time and skills to numerous Veteran and Women Build events, as well as general construction and painting projects. She’s also a familiar face at the Habitat ReStore, where her support continues to make a difference. After lending countless hours to help other veterans, Phyllis was encouraged by fellow volunteers during the 2024 Veterans Build to apply for home repair assistance through Habitat. Nearly two years later, that encouragement has come full circle—she is now the deserving recipient of the 2025 Veterans Build.

The project focuses on much-needed repairs and improvements to Ms. McCroskey’s home, including replacing rotted trim boards and fascia, upgrading electrical fixtures, performing yard work, painting, and repairing her deck. Work began on Oct. 24–25, with teams completing chimney reframing, installing new light fixtures, upgrading outdoor electrical outlets and security lights, repairing deck boards, and repainting key areas. The final phase, scheduled for Nov. 14–15, will include finishing the chimney with new cement and siding, rebuilding the back deck railing, completing the painting, and replacing the remaining light fixtures.

This labor of love is made possible by the generous contributions of local volunteer groups and businesses. Among this year’s participants are the Liberty Point Rotary Club, Delta Sigma Theta FAC, Habitat Partner Families, Fort Bragg soldiers, Fayetteville State University’s Agents of Unity community club, and the Cape Fear Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, along with many Army veterans and their spouses. Volunteer vendors include Swatt Electric, All In One Repairs and Renovations, and Karcher Roofing & Construction.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Habitat’s mission, and the organization welcomes additional help for the November build dates. Two shifts are available each day—8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Interested volunteers can contact Kelly at 910-593-1618 or email fcr@fayettevillenchabitat.org. Businesses or organizations wishing to sponsor the event can reach out to Ashley at 910-593-1971 or marketing@fayettevillenchabitat.org.

The Veterans Build not only transforms homes but also strengthens community connections. With nearly 2.5 million veteran-headed households aged 55 or older—and nearly a quarter facing housing cost burdens—initiatives like this are crucial. Female veterans and single mothers are particularly vulnerable, with nearly half spending more than 30% of their income on housing. For veterans of all eras, safe, affordable housing remains essential to stability and well-being.

Through Veterans Build, Habitat for Humanity aims to bridge those gaps—by repairing homes, renewing hope, and building bonds between those who serve and those who support them. As Ms. McCroskey’s story shows, giving back often comes full circle. This year, the hands that once lifted hammers for others are now surrounded by a grateful community returning the favor.