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Council Chairman Helps Veteran Modify Home for Accessibility
The bullet that pierced Jay Briseno Jr.’s neck in June of 2003 left the U.S. Army Reservist and Civil Affairs Specialist completely paralyzed. While in Baghdad, he identified and provided assistance to Iraqi citizens for rebuilding the country.
 Now, the 22-year-old Iraq veteran of Manassas Park, Va. relies on a ventilator, his parents’ care, and — since April of 2006 — free accessibility modifications provided by Rebuilding Together and NAHB Remodelors Council Chairman Vince Butler, CGR, CAPS, GMB.
Butler learned of the Briseno family through Rebuilding Together’s “Serving Those Who Serve” program, which provides cost-free home modifications to severely injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Jay Brisino Jr.’s parents, Joseph and Eva, significantly lowered their family income when Joseph resigned from work to help care for his son. Though Joseph Briseno recently re-employed to offset medical expenses, the family could not afford the modifications to help the family live in a safer, more accessible environment.
“We had heard about the family in Manassas Park,” says Patricia Johnson, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “When they contacted us, we knew we would be able to provide modifications that could help.”
Rebuilding Together — a national nonprofit that rehabilitates the homes of low-income households — organized a team of 40 volunteers and Butler to remodel the home. Though Rebuilding Together provides funds to pay for skilled labor and materials, most of the time and materials were donated.
“All of the suppliers and subs were 100% ‘what can we do?’” said Butler. “They didn’t look for compensation and just assumed this was something we were going to do. [Rebuilding Together] had a budget and was expecting to pay, and nobody wanted to be paid.”
Butler brought his CAPS training to the project, where accessibility modifications included a curbless shower, widened bathroom doorway, gas-powered generator with double electrical circuits for emergency power, as well as a screened in porch so the family can enjoy spending time safely outside.
“No other job that we’ve done has been as rewarding,” said Butler. “Particularly that we were able to bring something else to that nobody else could do.”
“Our son, Jay, has not taken a bath in three years,” said Joseph Briseno at the media event on March 27. “Now in a few days we will be able to take Jay into the shower and bath him.”
Butler met with a local Rebuilding Together coordinator one week before the work began, where he provided additional evaluation to assess the family’s needs. Beyond the upfront planning, Butler and his employees spent three days on-site. He estimated the job would cost approximately $40-50,000 for-profit.
“In a way it took less effort. I’ve never had so much cooperation. Everyone was falling over themselves to help,” said Butler. “There were some red eyes. People were feeling pretty good about it and they saw how much it meant to their family.”
“With a normal job people say thanks, but it doesn’t even compare,” he continued. “I would tell anyone to move on it. Don’t hesitate.”
Rebuilding Togethers looks to complete at least one project per month throughout 2006 and beyond. Those interested in participating can contact Rebuilding Together at 202-483-9083 or visit www.servingthosewhoserve.org.
Serving Those Who Serve is one of several programs offered by Rebuilding Together looking for skilled labor. Volunteers who wish to help rebuild the Gulf Coast can donate their time through Rebuilding Together. The nonprofit organizes week-long rebuilding trips and provides lodging, transportation to and from the job site, and three meals a day to volunteers during the work week. Water, sunscreen, first aid kits and bug spray are available on the job site. Volunteers must arrange their own transportation to the Gulf Coast.
Through June, Rebuilding Together has repaired or rebuilt more than 100 homes related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Contact Rebuilding Together to learn more.
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