CityView Magazine

Discover CityViewNC.com's fresh updated look! | 19 veterans who'd fallen on hard times. "We had already had services in Fayetteville for veterans where we help veterans with housing and assistance, so we had a footprint in Fayetteville," Walker said. "...We thought it would be a nice opportunity to offer a stepping stone for those individuals who want to get help getting back on their feet." But aer the purchase, Walker quickly learned of the drawbacks that come with a house built in only seven days. "ey are made for TV. It is a beautiful home but it had a rail that was kind of low with really high stairs and no wheelchair access," Walker said. "We put a wall up to make the stairs safer and to make the home ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant." Other work included changes to the once huge master suite. e bedroom's size was reduced to one more typical of other bedrooms in the house. A larger bathroom was put in, with room and accessibility for women confined to wheelchairs, as was an additional storage area. Small cubbyhole-style pantries were put into the kitchen since each resident is responsible for her own meals. Indoor playground equipment in another part of the house was altered to be safer. Other necessary upkeep work was also done. Endeavors has reused as much as it could of the furniture, appliances and other items that were le in the house. Still, all in all, Walker says renovations to the 7,200-square-foot home have cost upwards of $100,000 – and there is still much more to do. e goal is to have a home that can comfortably house eight families. As of this writing, three families have recently moved into the home. Families are allowed to stay there for up to two years rent-free to give them ample time to get back on their feet. e idea is to give women veterans who have fallen on hard times, either due to joblessness, escaping domestic violence, or many other reasons, a place where they can get their lives back on track, while maintaining some dignity.

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