CA Technologies donates land for LIHBCDC plans to build six affordable homes for returning veterans

Long Island Home Builders Care Development Corp. (LIHBCDC), a charitable arm of the Long Island Builders Institute, has received approval to build six homes for returning veterans on land donated by CA Technologies. The Village of Islandia has approved a subdivision for the 3.1 acres of vacant land. The sub-division, to be known as Veteran's Way, is to be constructed by LIHBCDC under its "Building New Homes for Returning Veterans" program, which has already built homes in Sound Beach and Ronkonkoma. The not-for-profit development corporation now plans to select six homebuilding firms who are members of the Long Island Builders Institute to oversee the construction of each home. Materials and labor for the homes will be purchased, donated or purchased at substantially reduced cost. The homes will be sold at prices substantially below the market prices for new houses to qualified Iraq and Afghanistan veterans from Long Island who have applied for the program. A panel of Veterans of Foreign War post commanders will select the veterans. "One of the many hurdles facing returning veterans is finding an affordable place to live and anchor their lives," said Tom Datre, LIHBCDC president. "Our mission to build new homes for returning veterans can only be accomplished with the support of the community. To complete this task and allow us to continue to improve the lives of returning veterans and their families requires support and financial donations. It is our hope that businesses and individuals on Long Island will help to make the American dream come true for these veterans who put their lives on the line for us." In addition, New Homes for Returning Veterans plans to construct additional homes in Centereach and in the town of Islip.