MADISON, Ill. (KMOX) – A Madison native, who fell upon some hard times after serving in the U.S. Army, is returning to his roots, thanks to a veterans assistance charity and dozens of volunteers.
Tony recently got the keys to a tiny home along Madison Avenue, after months of planning between 2x4s For Hope and the city of Madison.
The co-founder of the Quincy, Ill. based group, Mark Lawrence, said the once-homeless Tony was onsite during the two-day build and made each volunteer feel important.
The charity has well-wishers sign pieces of 2x4 lumber to be used in the construction of its tiny homes. Tony told KMOX News he took a video as the wood was going up, so he can read those messages of hope anytime he needs a morale boost and know exactly where they stand to frame his new residence.
Tony, who is now a pastor, said he gave up his home and furniture a few years ago, and God told him to trust in him.
A couple of the Madison project volunteers said they got to learn new things like hanging drywall and operating nail guns, as well as enjoy the fellowship with new people. Some came from several hours away to be a part of the build.
Tony said it was “F.U.L.” that brought them all together: “Faith. Unity. Love.”
His home is one of five tiny homes that’ll be built on that block in Madison, all for homeless or at-risk veterans.
For more details on nominating a veteran or checking on dates for volunteer opportunities in Madison County, you can go to Madison City Hall or check out the website www.2x4forhope.org . The group’s motto is “Building Hope And A Future, One Board At a Time.”
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