Kentwood veterans organization seeks help to fix roof, stay open

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) — An organization in Kentwood that serves veterans is calling on the community for help as it faces costly roof repairs.

At the intersection of Eastern Avenue and 48th Street in Kentwood, veterans are finding hope. That’s the location of Hero’s Corner, a sober drop-in center founded by Navy veteran Reginald Howard.

“Our veterans can come in at any walks or areas in their life. We don’t judge them,” Howard said.

Hero’s Corner is a place where veterans, both men and women, can be linked with community resources, grab food or share fellowship with others who have served.

“It was a place for us to connect, and I don’t think there were many places here in our area where that could happen,” said George Nobel, a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Howard has seen the impact the facility has had on veterans’ lives.

“You know, the greatest thing at the end of the day is when they look at the other one and say, ‘Hey man, I’ll meet you here tomorrow.’ So that means when that veteran goes home, that veteran might go home alone, but the next day they have a plan,” Howard said.

Now, Hero’s Corner has run into a tough predicament. After taking control of their current building, leaders noticed several roof leaks.

After attempting to patch the roof, a specialist revealed that the entire thing would need to be replaced.

“I thought for sure he was going to tell me it can be an easy fix, but then he told me it’s going to be over $80,000,” Howard said.

Howard said it’s a difficult situation for an organization that depends on donations.

“Sometimes we have to reach into our pockets, and I don’t know about you, but I can’t reach into my pocket for $80,000,” Howard said.

If the roof isn’t fixed by winter, it could cause Hero’s Corner to close its doors.

“I don’t want a veteran to be on the street, and I don’t want a veteran to be like, ‘Oh, they’re giving up on me’ or ‘Somebody’s going to shut another door in my face,'” Howard said.

The organization hopes the community can help with the cost of repairs and give back to those who have served.

“Anybody that can help a veteran keep a nice place, it would be a good thing,” Nobel said.

On Saturday, Hero’s Corner will host a flea market at 4809 Eastern Ave. SE in Kentwood from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The organization is also planning a “Raise the Roof” fundraiser.

Donations can also be made via Cash App using the $HerosCornerGR tag.

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