Homeless Veteran Gets New Start with Fully Furnished Home

FRANKFORT, IL – Another formerly homeless veteran has found a place to call her own.

On Wednesday, September 28, local veteran and owner of Green Vet Homes Kirby Atwell rented his most recently rehabbed property to another formerly homeless veteran. Thanks to the generosity of another local family, the veteran and her children will be moving into a furnished home.

Atwell launched Green Vet Homes in July of 2016 to focus on a "do good" mission. GVH prioritizes homeless veterans for rental properties, and donates a portion of profits from flips and wholesales to veteran aid. Although the company is only three months old, Atwell is already incredibly busy.

"The number of people who have reached out just wanting to help is unbelievable. I've received offers from people wanting to perform construction work for free, people wanting to help these veterans find jobs, and people wanting to donate electronics for the tenants. It's overwhelming and awesome to see the support."

In July, his first rental was provided to a veteran who had been living out of his car for over a year. Atwell purchased a property in Oak Lawn and GVH rehabbed the entire condo in less than 4 weeks. His first veteran renter moved in at the end of July and was thrilled to have a home. The condo features basic amenities, like a dishwasher, that the veteran has never had.

His most recent rental was provided to a veteran with two young children. Typically, Atwell offers "Welcome Home" baskets for his renters, but this veteran received much more.

"I received a call from a local family who had read about my company, and they wanted to donate furniture and items from a house that they're selling. The family helped us pack and unpack three truckloads full of furniture," he said

Because of their generosity, Atwell's new tenant will not only have basic furniture for herself and her children, but will also have items like pots, pans, and Christmas decorations.

"It's not only the basics; it's the details. I'm not sure the family who donated these items fully understands the impact they will have," he said.

Photos via Green Vet Homes.