For those who serve in the U.S. military, transitioning back to everyday life can be overwhelming. In Arizona, veterans facing unemployment and homelessness can seek assistance from the nonprofit group Esperanza En Escalante, or “Rising Hope,” which provides the housing and support they need to make it on their own again. 

To help repair and improve the organization’s transitional home, 11 members of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) from the Tucson, Ariz., area joined the 18th annual Volunteer Day organized by the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA). 

“Our members know that if they team up with our chapter and other members, their work will have a larger effect in the community,” says Tom Dunn, ABA’s Southern Arizona director. 

The home was completely renovated—from the new carpets installed by Tucson Commercial Carpet to the sprinkler system from Kazal Fire and the door knobs supplied by Steel Dor. All bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms received a makeover, along with new plumbing and air-conditioning systems and brand new furniture. By the end of the project, the shelter received about $100,000 worth of donated renovations. 

Other ABC members involved throughout the process included King Fab, LLC; Sundt Construction; AIS Industries; Wilson Electric; Hensel Phelps Construction; Mechanical Systems, Inc.; Caylor Construction; and Sunstate Equipment Rentals. 

“These commercial builders are using their God-given talents to give back,” Dunn says. “These efforts let the veterans know that we care and we want to help.” 

Additionally, the ABC volunteers and 24 students from a local high school built a dog park to give the veterans a place to take their canine companions. Not only does the park designate an area for the dogs to run around, but it also serves as a gathering place where the veterans can enjoy the outdoors with new park benches, barbeque grills and trees to provide shade from the hot Arizona sun. 

“It’s great to see these men getting back on their feet,” Dunn says.