Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County broke ground this past Friday on a new veterans housing project on Haley Street in Somerset — the Purple Heart Veterans Village. The four-house development will soon be home to local veterans and military families, and it follows in the footsteps of Habitat’s first veterans project, the Louis D. Garrett Veterans Village, built two years ago on Race Street.
The future homeowners were introduced at the groundbreaking ceremony: U.S. Army veterans Sharry Burton, Ivana Mars, and Chris Donofrio, along with Stacy Ehrsam, widow of U.S. Army veteran Sonny Ehrsam. As with all Habitat builds, each family will roll up their sleeves and help construct their own home alongside volunteers.
Habitat’s Veteran Task Force, led by Jon Roberts, and Somerset Mayor Alan Keck joined the celebration to honor both the incoming homeowners and the mission behind the project.
The village’s name honors local Purple Heart recipients — service members who were wounded in combat. The inspiration came from Somerset’s Veterans Park downtown, where bricks bear the names of Pulaski County residents who received the Purple Heart. Habitat leadership wanted a way to permanently recognize the sacrifices of local veterans while also meeting a real need for safe, affordable housing for those who served.
Help Us Build the Memorial
As part of this project, Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County is planning a memorial on the grounds of the Purple Heart Veterans Village to honor local Purple Heart recipients.
Do you know a Pulaski County veteran who received the Purple Heart? We want to make sure they’re remembered. Submit their name for consideration to be included in the memorial.
📍 Submit names at pulaskikyhabitat.org
Every name matters. Help us honor the heroes among us.