A Lyles veteran finds “home, sweet home” a little sweeter today, thanks to an initiative by Habitat for Humanity, which makes essential repairs to homes in rural communities.
Phillip Walker has lived in the home passed down to him from his parents for more than 20 years, and the Vietnam veteran was grateful to have some necessary repairs made to his home.
“They replaced the windows and did a very good job,” Walker said. “It’s nice that they reach out to veterans in this way, and it’s a real honor that they gave this to me.”
It took workers only about six hours to replace Walker's old 1970s storm windows with double-pane, energy-efficient windows, which will also help keep his operating costs down.
Walker said he learned about the program at the VA hospital and filled out the application.
On October 27, a dedication ceremony celebrated the modernization of Walker's home, made possible by a $10,000 donation from First Farmers & Merchants Bank, which enabled the replacement of the windows on his home.
Walker spent most of his life in Chicago before moving to Hickman County, where he saw various parts of the world, from Camp Pendleton in California to Okinawa in Japan. As a photographer, he took on a number of assignments, which he said led to publications such as the New York Times and the Guardian reporting on his assignments.
Today he said there is a lot to do around his property and he is grateful for projects like this one supported by Habitat for Humanity.
The Carter Work Project 2025 supports the construction and repair of homes in more than 60 communities in at least 20 states, said Bree DeMoss of Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM).
The HFHWM Critical Repair Program enables people like Walker to make affordable home repairs. Services include roof repairs or replacements, HVAC work, accessibility modifications and other home improvements. Security, code compliance and accessibility are the main tasks of the program.
“We know that a safe, stable home is the foundation of a family’s well-being,” said Kim Randell, CEO of HFHWM. “Our program ensures that long-time homeowners like Phillip can remain safe and comfortable in their homes.”
For more information about the program, visit www.hfhwm.org.