Purple Heart Homes and Partners Save Vet From Unsafe Living

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

IRON STATION, NC (WNN) – A year ago, if you were to ask Donald Surrat, a 72-year-old army veteran, about home repairs, he’d request patching his roof and installing a doorbell. Now, Surratt took the honorary first swing of the total demolition of his home.

The veteran has seen an outpour of support from his community after discovering that his house was unsafe to live in. Love Our Veterans Thrift Store in Denver, N.C., met Surratt a year ago and started helping him. The organization was instrumental in paying off Surrat’s mortgage and car.

David Glasscock works with Love Our Veterans. Surratt confided in Glasscock about needing home repairs, so he referred the veteran to Purple Heart Homes. 

Purple Heart Homes is an organization dedicated to providing veterans with housing solutions. The organization works with local contractors to help with various housing projects. Although the organization is headquartered in Statesville, N.C., it has helped veterans across the nation.

Last spring, Surratt asked Purple Heart Homes to help him repair his roof. 

Located on a rural road in Lincoln County, Surratt’s home was constructed in the 1950s. It has always been in his family, as the house itself was built by Surrat’s father, according to a Purple Heart Homes representative.

Unfortunately, upon inspecting the roof, contractors determined the house to be structurally unsound. Lamar Austin is the project manager for Surratt’s case. He said if the contractors attempted to repair the roof the whole house would collapse. 

Austin and Glasscock were stunned to hear about the state of Surrat’s home. After brainstorming, they concluded that rebuilding the house was the only solution. Although the project was a year in the making, the demolition occurred on March 26, 2024.

“What we’re doing here is way outside of what we would normally do, which would just be some basic repairs, this is a result of what can happen when people in the community come together for a common call,” said Austin.

Since Purple Heart Homes do not usually take on projects of this size, Austin knew he would need help. Luckily, the community answered his call. 

“We [have] around 26 partners right now, but there are some in the wings waiting to help,” said Austin. 

Everything has been donated for this project, from the shingles for the roof to the concrete foundation. Austin said the community support has been overwhelming.

On the day of the demolition, media members, contractors, volunteers and neighbors convened together, gazing upon Surrat’s original home for the last time. 

The veteran lived in that house on and off since he was six years old. Surratt returned to his childhood home to take care of his mother, who passed away. He stayed in the home to care for his son, who battled muscular dystrophy until he also passed away.

“My mom passed away in 2016 and my son passed away in December of 22. I’ve been living here by myself ever since,” said Surratt.

Despite his hardships, Surratt has always kept his faith. He is a religious man who believes that God has his back. Austin said that Surratt has had faith in God all his life. Now, Purple Heart Homes wants him to put his faith in their organization as well.

“I presented him with our typical agreements that allow us to work together and said, “Okay, if you sign this, we’re going to tear your house down and build anew. And he believes in us to do that,” said Austin.

A short ceremony was held before the demolition. Austin, Glasscock, Surratt and Devin Alexander, the media coordinator for Purple Heart Homes, gathered on the front porch and addressed the audience. 

“We’re here to honor a veteran who served his country honorably, Donald Surrat, and all the community partners that have come together to assist him with having a home that’s safe to live in because this one’s not,” said Alexander.

Speakers expressed the honor of aiding Surratt, a man known for his grace and generosity in protecting his country and family. The speeches kicked off an emotional day as Surratt stood on the porch of that home for the last time.

“This is like a Phoenix. You know the Phoenix, it serves its purpose and then it burns up. Then it comes back to life and begins anew. This isn’t the destruction of your home, it’s just a rebirth,” said Alexander.

After handing the veteran a hammer, he took the honorary first swing on the home, commencing the demolition. After the area was cleared, a bulldozer rode in to finish the job. Little by little, the bulldozer took Surratt’s house to the ground.

Although the path to this point was marred with challenges, Austin said the simple love and humanity of people is what helped them.

“Would you ever believe that human love could become tangible? Well, that is what this is,” said Austin.

He is sad to see the old home gone, but Surratt is excited about the future and grateful for the help he has received. As a dignified veteran, Surratt never expected to need assistance. Yet, after years of selflessly helping others, it was finally his turn to receive support.

“God brought people into my life when I asked for support. I had to wait for it to happen,” said Surratt, “But here we are at this point here. It is a new beginning,” he said.

The road to total reconstruction is long, but contractors are already putting in the work. The projected end of construction is August. Alexander said Purple Heart Homes will throw an event to celebrate the unveiling of Surratt’s new home. 

The team is excited to be one step closer to the end goal. Although there is a lot to do between now and August, the dedicated partners of Purple Heart Home and Love Our Veterans will persevere. 

Purple Heart Homes and Love Our Veterans are both nonprofit organizations that accept donations. Those interested in donating to Purple Heart Homes can find a link on its website. To donate to Love Our Veterans, make an appointment to meet with a volunteer on its website.

Asking for help can be a difficult task, but in times of hardship, relying on others is one of the most courageous acts one can do. That is exactly what Surratt did. As the dust from the demolition settles, onlookers are reminded of the strength a community has when everyone comes together.

---

For more WNN video news stories, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wisenewsnetwork.

For more WNN articles and news stories, visit: https://wisenewsnetwork.com

Contact WNN at [email protected]

Copyright 2024 Wise News Network. All rights reserved.