Volunteers build new home for Dallas veteran

DALLAS - This Veterans Day will be remembered as a special one for a local former service member. The United Way partnered with Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity to build her a new home.

Breana Austin joined the Texas Army National Guard as a patient admin specialist in 2010. She now lives in south Dallas with a young son.

But the United Way and Habitat for Humanity say she and many other veterans often face financial challenges when returning to civilian life. They have a hard time finding good jobs and securing homes.

Wednesday was a key day in the construction of Austin’s new home. The walls went up. The volunteers were also joined by Dallas Cowboys legend and new member of the Cowboys Ring of Honor, Darren Woodson.

“To have that number volunteers out here doing what they do best and serving the community, that’s what’s been special. And Breana has been grateful. It’s been emotional for me because I get to see a young lady whose put her time in and served us as a country, put a smile on her face and her child’s face,” Woodson said.

The organizations the effort can bring awareness about the problem military heroes face when it comes to home ownership and financial stability.