My Nonprofit Reviews

Hi, I am a female Veteran that found my HOME with Operation Tiny Home. As a Veteran, it is so hard to make the transition to the civilian world. Many of us feel lost, we feel the void of "family", team work, camaraderie and a purpose greater than ourselves. We feel the void of not having our brothers and sisters by our side. We feel the stares as we discuss our military time and deployments and people that never served, cannot understand.
I first found out about OTH in San Antonio, Texas 2.5 yrs ago. I was unsure what it was about and if my time would be well placed. I was nervous to see if I would be able to connect with other service members or if there would only be a handful for photo ops and be done. Since the workshop was free, what did I have to lose? I figured, if it was another photo op nonprofit, I could just leave. Going to the workshop was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I have learned to much on building and proper tool usage. I have formed lifelong friendships and I have once again felt I am there to serve a greater purpose and feel the sense of family. THIS let's my know that my time and money is well placed. OTH gives me something to look forward to, a way to connect with other Veterans and allows me to help make a difference in people's lives. I was given a hand up when I HIT rock bottom. I will always and forever be grateful for those allowing me to know I was worth saving and that I WAS NOT alone in my struggles. I am thankful for OTH and the knowledge in building they have taught me, allowing me something to look forward to with each build and allowing me to feel like part of a team and family that many of us Veterans miss when we get out. Something bigger than ourselves. I have been to many builds, using my own money to get to them. When I walk onto each new workshop, I feel peaceful and I am welcomed like a family member. Many of us keep going back for many builds. We have laughed, cried, encouraged and learned from one another. YES, we are learning how to build tiny homes, furniture and other useful knowledge, we are sharing stories and healing parts of ourselves as well, by being around other Veterans and sharing stories. Most importantly, we are getting Homeless Veterans off the streets. THIS is so important to myself and fellow Veterans I speak to at the builds. We do not want to see our brothers and sisters, after serving our great nation, living on the street and thrown away by society, after their sacrifice. WE see ourselves in those people and know, that there are some that truly care about Our Veterans. We know that many of us are hanging on by a thread and could be the next statistic in suicide or homelessness.
Here are some pictures of things I have learned during my time with OTH. I have also been able to use these skills as I slowly make repairs to my own house and not feel so overwhelmed that I do not have the money to pay for someone to make the repairs, as I was watching my home fall apart around me. I am now feeling a little pride in my house once again. The last two picture are of my hallway at my house. I was able to repair some drywall and add the trim around the doors and walls.