We are fortunate to work in this great industry and to have many ways to give back to our communities. We were given a reminder of that on April 8, 2025, at a very important dedication.
We felt the excitement as we entered the crowded shell of what will become the Langetree Community Center in Liberty County, TX. We sensed immediately that this project was different than the other Operation Finally Home (OFH) dedications we have witnessed. At the others, we SBCA supporters were scattered outside of a finished home. Here, we were gathered close together inside a large unfinished structure, in a much more intimate setting. In front of us were the dozens of community members who have turned this rural stretch of land into a thriving refuge for homeless veterans. And we would soon learn much more about all of their incredible work. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
The dedication ceremony began as always with the arrival of a military color guard, but this one was special, composed of Junior ROTC cadets representing the local high schools who were an essential part of this project. Many of their peers joining us in the room had helped build the tiny houses surrounding this Center – a project that also introduced these students to a valuable trade.
Lee Kirgan, OFH VP of Construction, began the dedication by describing how several communities surrounding Houston had come together ten years earlier to create housing for needy veterans. To expand that project, Charles and Barbara Lange provided the land about 50 miles east of the city for this venture. Although her husband has passed away, Mrs. Lange has continued this commitment, and at the ceremony she spoke with great passion about the many lives that the center has transformed, including two gentlemen in the audience who she described as having graduated from the program to productive lives.
Following Mrs. Lange was a series of speakers including Jess Lohse, SBCA’s Executive Director, and Jack Dermer, President of American Truss, one of the leading donors along with the SBCA Foundation.
As the Greater Houston Builders Association says on its website, “The Langetree Community Center will serve as a safe gathering place for veterans who live in the community of temporary short-term tiny homes housing designed specifically for homeless veterans. ... Currently, there are 15 tiny homes [of the planned 35] and one bunk house on the property. In addition to providing temporary housing, the Langetree Retreat and Eco Center provides at risk, underserved and homeless veterans with tools and training to build social and financial independence, recreational activities, social services, life skills management, educational services, cultural arts and more.”
To finish and furnish the Center will require additional donations, but all of us left with a keen appreciation for the great potential of the Center, and for all the considerable support staff and donors who will be dedicated to heal troubled veterans for many years to come.