VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Homelessness among military veterans remains a challenge for this country.
The most recent count put the number at more than 37,000 vets.
Here in Hampton Roads, one charity has been doing its part since 1993.
Vetshouse, Inc. is trying to expand its reach by serving more women veterans.
It was all hands on deck as generous volunteers from 14 different companies and community organizations pitched in.
After 27 years, the nonprofit must expand to provide transitional housing for a group that, unfortunately, is in more need than ever before: women.
"It is underserved and it's growing," said Vetshouse Executive Director Willard Smith.
"Right now we can only house four female veterans. By the time we finish the renovation here, we'll be able to house at least 10 female homeless veterans."
Helpers showed up, bright and early Saturday, supplying all the manpower, materials and food.
"We're putting new plumbing in, new appliances, paint, floors," said Carey Lee of Relay Electric.
"That's what he wanted. We're making it happen."
The Daughters of the American Revolution contributed $40,000.
"And they're going to put in furniture and household goods and turn this house into a home for our nation's heroes," said the DAR's Donna Crisp, herself, a retired Navy admiral.
Mission BBQ was on hand to keep the workers fed.
"And we always want to give back, especially to our veterans and first responders," said Michael McGlaughlan.
"And if we hear about stuff like this, we always want to be involved."
The Department of Veterans Affairs says that women comprise the fastest-growing segment of the homeless veteran population, increasing at 7 times the rate of men.
Other participants included SEVA CAI Business Partners, Community Association Volunteer Leaders, Sherwin Williams Paints, McKown Pressure Wash Paint & Contracting, Select Group, Relay, Austin Scanlon Associates, Ground Effects, Spivey, Sunbelt Rentals, Rick Little, Lydia Allen, and Blue Water Plumbing.