CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago resident Marta Domian served in the Army Reserves from 2006 to 2014.
For the last few years, she and her husband, Juan, have struggled to find affordable housing and are currently living in their in-laws’ basement with their two daughters.
“We've had several floods already and we literally have no kitchen,” said Domian. “We use the dryer to cut food on it because there is no space.”
About a year ago, Domian was introduced to Habitat for Humanity Chicago’s Veterans Build program, which provides homeownership opportunities to military service members and their families.
Now, the 34-year-old veteran is the proud owner of a house in west suburban Winfield.
“I’m so grateful that there's people out there that are willing to help and give their time so we could have some kind of future for ourselves and have a house and a roof over our head,” Domian said.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth stopped by the house on Thursday, Veterans Day, calling Domian’s story the “American dream.”
“This is the American dream that all veterans fought to defend for everybody else, and it is time that Martha and other veterans have a piece of the American dream for themselves,” said Duckworth.
Unfortunately, Duckworth noted that dream is out of reach for many even after honorable service in the military.
She said veterans often struggle with getting a good job, finding an affordable home or putting food on the table.
“There's still a lot more work to do, but today's Veterans Day, we're going to celebrate service to this nation, and I can't think of a better way of doing it than to celebrate this couple, this home, this community for opening up their arms to this veteran,” Duckworth said.
Domian said she plans to move her family into their new home sometime this summer after renovations are complete.
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