Local residents are invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for a unique homebuilding project in Hollister on Saturday at 10 a.m., at 254 Rosebud Avenue, near Santa Ana Road.
Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit agency that helps to build homes for veterans who have returned with severe injuries, has identified a plot of land in Hollister for its next building project.
Community members are invited to come out on Saturday to show support for the nonprofit and they will have an opportunity to sign up to volunteer along the way as the house for Sgt. Brian Jergens is built.
Jergens, who is not a San Benito resident, lost his legs and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He is being treated in Palo Alto for his injuries. The home will be built to make it accessible to a wheelchair and will have other adaptations that will make it possible for Jergens to navigate his new home when it is completed.
Elias Bedolla, a member of VFW Post 9242, said the VFW members invite people to come out and help. While Homes For Our Troops hires professional contractors to do some of the work, volunteers are also needed at different stages of the project. Bedolla said those interested in volunteering will be able to learn more about opportunities at the event.
Jergens will be attending the groundbreaking ceremony. He will be escorted into town by the Hollister Fire Department, the Hollister Police Department and the American Legion Riders Chapter 69 members. Mayor Ignacio Velazquez is expected to speak at the groundbreaking and San Benito High School student Jesaiah Baer, who was recently featured in the auditions of this year’s American Idol, will sing the National Anthem.
For more on Homes For Our Troops, visit http://www.homesforourtroops.org
