Local Vietnam Veteran Gets A Home Forever In Time Of Need

QUINCY (WGEM) — On the brink of becoming homeless, U.S. Navy veteran Bob Bindewald has a new roof over his head.

Dozens of people gathered in front of 2x4s for Hope’s brand new “little house” to welcome Bindewald’s house. At a time when Bindewald needed support the most, his community had an answer.

“Everyone has been amazing,” Bindewald said. “I had to be here the first two days when they put the walls up, the tarps and the roof over it. They told me to stay out of town for a while, and I’m coming back today and they gave me the keys.

Construction of Bindewald’s house began on June 12. Four weeks later, he calls it his farm.

“He had applied a while ago and then given the opportunity to another veteran,” said 2×4 executive director for Hope, Jordan Lenz. “He happened to be losing the place he was staying and we were looking for a veteran. We felt it was God working because he needed a place and we needed him too.

From 1972 to 1975, Bindewald made two tours in Vietnam. Upon his return to the United States, Bindewald said he was no longer the same.

2×4′s for Hope strives to give veterans like Bindewald a fresh start.

“Even though there are veterans who have jobs and families, they can also struggle on the inside, so this organization brings us all together,” Lenz said.

Lenz said a tiny house costs about $65,000 to build. To complete Bindewald’s home, 2×4’s for Hope partnered with Quincy Medical Group, who fully funded the project.

The non-profit group has now built 12 small homes and is looking to help more veterans before the end of the year.

Lenz said donations can be made through the group’s website.

Additionally, 2×4′s for Hope is also accepting volunteers to help with construction and nominations for veterans of future tiny homes.

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