ORLANDO, Fla. — Several years after hurricanes hit Central Florida, some homeowners are still waiting for repairs to their homes. And some are still waiting to return to their homes because the damage was so bad.
Patricia Golden’s Eatonville was damaged by Hurricane Ian.
“The hurricane in 2022 literally destroyed the roof, and the water was coming in,” said Golden. “And time went by, and all the critters felt like they had a home now.”
Squatters also eventually made themselves at home in Golden’s house, after the veteran had been living elsewhere for a period of time while she was recovering from double-knee surgery.
“The house just rotted more, there was tree damage, and it got to a point where it was uninhabitable,” said Rusty Smallwood, Director of Construction with Building Homes for Heroes.
And it got worse for Golden, too. She found herself battling cancer. But she never gave up hope that she would one day find herself back in her own home, in part thanks to her pastor’s prophetic words.
“He told me I would be having a home,” said Golden.
And Golden never lost her resolve, something she built from years serving overseas as a U.S. Army sergeant.
“It’s a lot of mental stress, especially if you are preparing for war.”
Eventually, after her old home was torn down, Building Homes for Heroes, the Greater Orlando Builders Association, and other local partners joined together to build her a new home on the same property. And when that new home was built, Golden got a police escort and a hero’s homecoming.
“And that’s what it’s been—survival mode — and so now this is just a beautiful thing,” said Golden. “I feel real good that God would honor me with this house.”
Golden is far from alone when it comes to those who’ve sought assistance after hurricane damage to their homes. Orange County Recovers says that for those impacted by hurricanes Ian and Milton, they’ve completed 13 construction projects, 21 more are under construction, and 127 homeowners are still in the application review process. Meanwhile, Golden’s home is the 67th home Building Homes for Heroes has helped build, gift or modify for veterans. They’ve helped more than 230 veterans across Florida.
Now Golden won’t have to worry about rain coming into her home.
“I’ve got a 50-year roof. I don’t have to worry about that anymore,” said Golden.
And after all she’s been through, this veteran can finally enjoy her new home in a community she’s always called home.
“I can live the rest of my days here—however long I’ve got—I’ve got a place,” said Golden. “I don’t have to worry about anything; it’s beautiful.”
Building Homes for Heroes says it’s on track later this year to help 500 veterans across the country with home repairs, modifications, or full home replacements.