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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, alongside the County’s Department of Veterans Affairs and representatives from Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago (RTMC), announced the completion of the Veteran Home Repair Program. This initiative, funded with $1.25 million, provided necessary repairs to 30 veteran-owned homes in Cook County.
The program was available at no cost to veteran homeowners in Cook County, including dependent spouses or caretakers housing a veteran. President Preckwinkle emphasized the importance of these repairs, stating, “Making critical repairs to homes where our veterans live is essential. 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 varied between $15,000 and $45,000 depending on each homeowner's needs and home condition. The program prioritized accessibility enhancements such as ramps, vertical platform lifts, handrails, grab bars, and kitchen and bathroom modifications. Other works included plumbing, electrical repairs, smoke and carbon monoxide detector installations, as well as exterior work like roof replacements.
Among the beneficiaries were Mark Kellogg, a retired United States Air Force veteran and commander of Park Forest American Legion Post 1198, along with his wife Keisha. Their home underwent comprehensive infrastructural updates through this program. Kellogg expressed gratitude saying: “I'm extremely grateful that I was chosen to participate in this program... Everyone we worked with throughout this process was very professional and knowledgeable.”
Cook County has collaborated with RTMC for over three decades on various projects aimed at improving living conditions for residents. Wanda Ramirez, CEO of RTMC stated: “Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago is proud of our partnership with Cook County... We are so grateful to have been a part of this important program.”
The Veteran Home Repair Program targeted low-income veteran homeowners focusing on creating warm, safe environments or making necessary home modifications. Applications were invited starting March 2023 with repair work commencing in fall 2023; the final home renovations concluded last month under funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Further details about the program can be found at www.cookcountyil.gov/service/veteran-home-repair-program.
