Story Archive

Habitat of Inhumanity

Brian Wood, 28, served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, earned two bronze stars, and lost his hearing in one ear, yet he still continues to serve as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard in Peoria, Ill. He struggled to find suitable housing for his family until he worked out a “sweat equity” agreement with Habitat for Humanity, and the process started to build him a home outside of Morton, Ill. “We were blessed to get to go to Morton,” Wood says. “We know it’s a wonderful community.” Unfortunately, some of the local residents don’t agree, and a petition is circulating to keep Wood’s house from being built. Resident Matt Sommer, 56, says he was approached by a woman asking for his signature on the petition. “Do you realize,” she asked, “that it’s going to made of wood, not brick?” All of the houses in the neighborhood are built with brick. Lea Anne Schmidgall, executive director for the local Habitat chapter, says she wishes the petitioners had just contacted her. Construction hasn’t started yet, and adjustments can be made. “If we have to add brick, we’ll do it,” Schmidgall says. “It almost makes you feel you’re not welcome,” Sgt. Wood said. (MS/Peoria Journal-Star) ...So, they’ll only build houses for Major Brick, but not Sergeant Wood or Captain Straw.