Stars & Stripes Build
Stars & Stripes Build, held annually in November, honors veterans and welcomes them to our construction site to help build the American Dream for local families.
About Stars & Stripes Build
Build Homes. Honor Service. Strengthen Our Community.
Through affordable homeownership, home preservation, and education programs, we help veterans and military families build brighter futures right here in Central Florida. Stars & Stripes Build, held annually in November, honors veterans and welcomes them to our construction site to help build the American Dream for local families.
Gather your team for a meaningful day of service alongside veterans and fellow community members, to create lasting impact while strengthening teamwork and corporate purpose. Together, we can build homes, honor service, and help more local veterans achieve lasting housing stability.
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting our mission—and our local veterans.
Sponsor Spotlight
Here’s what Trey and Carrie Vick of V3 Capital Group and Strive Senior Living had to say about their Stars & Stripes Build day:
“It’s great team-building, but it’s also us showing how important it is to give back in the community. It’s not always about just writing a check and attending an event, but sometimes it is about getting our hands dirty and getting into the community and doing something direct.
“Carrie and I both got out of the military in 2004 and have really appreciated opportunities to be part of the veteran community and to support initiatives that take care of those that have served the country.”
—Trey and Carrie Vick
Client Spotlight
We‘d like to introduce you to some of the service members, veterans, and their families who have benefited from Habitat‘s wide array of resources.
Gaby’s Story
For military reservist and Habitat Orlando & Osceola homeowner Gaby, becoming a homeowner in 2025 gave her the opportunity to provide a stable environment where her toddler son and mother can thrive. For her, owning a home represents stability, security, and a foundation for building generational wealth.
“To me, my home is a sanctuary—a place where I feel safe and can build a strong foundation for my family,” she said.
As a homeowner, she’s able to focus on graduating with a degree in cybersecurity and building her career. “My vision for the future is to become a cybersecurity expert and advance my career in protecting our nation’s borders through my service in the military,” she said.
She hopes that one day she will open her own business and provide jobs to those in need.
Eddie’s Story
Eddie, a blind Army veteran, dealt with a leaky roof for nearly 10 years. Like an unwelcome visitor, water would enter the 82-year-old’s Orange County home every time it rained.
“It was very frustrating,” Lee said. “It was springing little leaks here and there and it was getting worse.”
The condition of his roof made his home insurance premium skyrocket, something he struggled to afford on his fixed income. Lee was able to get his roof fully replaced at no cost thanks to Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s roof replacement program, offered in partnership with Orange County Government.
After the replacement, Lee was able to save more than $2,000 on his home insurance premium. “When the rain comes now, I’m not worried about having to stop a leak,” he said. “This was really a blessing for me.”
Julie’s Story
Habitat Orlando & Osceola homeowner Julie said she joined the U.S. Army because she wanted to go to college but didn’t want to put a burden on her parents. She said the experience in the military molded her into an even more responsible person, knowing that her unit was relying on her to do her job. She said the tenacity, determination, and reliability she developed from her time in the military served her well throughout her life, including on her journey to homeownership before closing on the purchase of her home in 2015.
One lesson in particular from her military service that came in handy as a homeowner was the importance of maintenance.
“That is something I do as a homeowner servicing the AC, inspecting the property, keeping the yard up and painting when needed,” Julie said. “I do it because I want to keep my home and make the community nice for me and my neighbors.”
The benefit of the skills she learned in the military also made an impact on her children, who followed her footsteps into military service.
Charles’ Story
When U.S. Navy veteran Charles realized the cost of replacing the roof of his home on his own wasn’t feasible, he reached out to Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s certified housing counseling team to help.
A housing counselor walked the 92-year-old Orange County resident through how to apply for the nonprofit’s roof replacement program.
“The old roof was not doing too well. It caused for a lot of concern and worry,” he said. “When you have a new one, you can relax and enjoy your house.”
Since getting his roof replaced, Charles said he’s seen his property insurance decrease by around $900 a year. He said participating in the program was a blessing.
“The program was handled very professionally, and the people were nice,” Charles said. “We were fortunate to be able to take advantage of it.”
Latoya’s Story
When Latoya bought her Habitat home back in 2018, her son had just recently enlisted in the U.S. Navy straight out of high school. Now, her son is serving his second tour and just purchased a home of his own. Latoya said she’s marveled at the positive impact his service has had on him.
“I’m in awe of the man he became. He’s more mature. His head is on straight. He’s an excellent leader,” she said. “He’s an amazing provider, and I’m not just saying this because he’s my son, I’m saying it because I’ve seen it.”
Latoya said she Facetimed him as he signed the papers to purchase his home last year, creating a stable foundation for himself through homeownership just as his mother did for their family years prior.
“He always reminds me, ‘Mama, I get it from you,’” she said.
Build Day Schedule
Here’s an example of what a day on the build site would look like for your team.
Join Us for a Stars & Stripes Build
Join us for a day of community with fellow veterans while building the American Dream for local families in Central Florida.
Sponsorship Benefits
We offer three levels of sponsorship, each accompanied by a variety of benefits for you and your team. A financial commitment strengthens our community for generations. Habitat homes give people the foundation to build better lives, providing a stabilizing force for their families and neighborhoods.