Cook County, Rebuilding Together Celebrate Completion of Veteran Home Repair Program

The $1.25 million program funded vital improvements to 30 veteran-owned homes throughout the County

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined the County’s Department of Veterans Affairs along with representatives from Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago (RTMC) and other elected officials to announce the completion of the Veteran Home Repair Program. In partnership with RTMC, Cook County allocated $1.25 million to complete indoor and outdoor repairs to 30 veteran-owned homes throughout Cook County. 

This free program was available to Cook County veteran homeowners, dependent spouses or caretakers who provide housing for a veteran. 

“Making critical repairs to homes where our veterans live is essential,” said President Preckwinkle. “These upgrades and improvements will ensure veterans continue to live in the safety and comfort of their own homes and allow us to give back to individuals who have given so much for our nation.”

Repair costs ranged from $15,000 to $45,000 depending on the needs of the homeowner and condition of the home. Repairs that made homes more accessible, such as the installation of ramps and vertical platform lifts, handrails and grab bars as well as accessibility features for kitchens and bathrooms, were prioritized. Other repairs included plumbing and electrical work and installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Exterior repairs included roof, gutter, downspout window, door, stair and walkway replacement. 

Mark Kellogg, a retired United States Air Force veteran and the current commander of the Park Forest American Legion Post 1198 and his wife Keisha were recipients of the home repair program. Through the program, all infrastructural elements of the Kellogg home were replaced, including a new boiler, hot water tank, furnace, gutters and rain guards around all roofing, paint, window sealing and home’s the back patio was removed and replaced so the yard could be re-graded to prevent water from pooling against the house.

“I'm extremely grateful that I was chosen to participate in this program, and I'm so proud of the work that was done,” said Kellogg. “Everyone we worked with throughout this process was very professional and knowledgeable, and my wife and I are speechless at the quality of work that was done. The program helped us tremendously, and I’m grateful that Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago will continue to help those in need, and the County’s Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to support those who served.”

Cook County has partnered with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago for over three decades, renovating and repairing more than 2,000 homes since 1991. The Veteran Home Repair Program was designed specifically for veterans and their families.

“Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago is proud of our partnership with Cook County, which has been a consistent and valued supporter for over 30 years,” said Wanda Ramirez, CEO of Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago. “Cook County's continued investment in the communities we serve is truly making a lasting impact on the quality of life for its residents. We are so grateful to have been a part of this important program, ensuring that veterans and their families could continue to live in the safety and comfort of their own homes."

The veteran home repair program focuses on warm, safe and dry priorities or the need for home modification improvements. Low-income veteran homeowners were prioritized. 

A call for applications was issued in March of 2023. Repairs to homes began in the fall of 2023 and repairs to the final home were completed last month. The project was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

For more information about the program, visit: www.cookcountyil.gov/service/veteran-home-repair-program

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