A New Home in Hicksville for A Returning War Veteran

Officials at a dedication ceremony in Hicksville. Credit: Office of The Nassau County Executive

A Nassau County property that for years sat vacant in Hicksville will soon be the single-family home of a U.S. veteran.

Thanks to a partnership with Homes for Our Homecoming Heroes, a nonprofit organization, the home was constructed for a returning veteran in memory of U.S. Navy SEAL and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael P. Murphy of Long Island.

Dedicating the home Monday, County Executive Mangano was joined by state and local officials. The home was developed by more than 20 professional groups and suppliers.

“My administration is committed to providing housing in Nassau County for our nation’s returning heroes and their families,” Mangano said.

“From this new Homes For Our Homecoming Heroes to the 60 veterans homes at Mitchel Field, my administration is working tirelessly so that no veteran is homeless in Nassau County,” he added.

Homes For Our Homecoming Heroes coordinated the construction of the home with the assistance of BOCES student volunteers, building professionals, volunteer organizations and suppliers. With voluntary labor and the donation of materials, the estimated cost to build the 1,800 square foot home was $150,000.

Shafquet Wasi, a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy for eight years, is currently under contract on the house. He was chosen through an affordable housing lottery. Through this program, the veteran is purchasing the home at cost with a one percent down payment and the principle will be repaid over a 30 year period.

Under the program, there are no closing costs associated if the homeowner stays in the home for 10 years.