NINE LINE FOUNDATION TO CREATE VETERAN VILLAGE IN SAVANNAH

Courtesy of Fox28Media.com

by Robert Catanese

Savannah, Ga. (WTGS FOX 28) — Nine Line Foundation Founder Tyler Merritt began his vision back in 2013. They have partnered with A Soldier’s Journey Home to construct homes for severely wounded combat veterans returning home.

Merritt said on average, they have constructed a home every six months for the past three years.

A Soldier’s Journey Home is an organization composed of firefighters throughout the nation who donate their free time to help build the homes for these veterans.

The latest recipient is Sgt. Eric Morante, who served three tours in Iraq and lost his right leg to a suicide bomber attack.

“When you’re dealing with someone who has lost multiple limbs, there’s need for a true support network,” said Merritt.

The foundation has helped veterans in Washington, D.C., Kentucky and Texas, and Merritt says they’re not stopping there.

“There’s a really big epidemic going on right now with veteran suicide, veteran homelessness and a lot of them, one leads to the other,” he said.

Which prompted Merritt’s foundation to once again provide a lifeline to veterans.

“We are going to be building a Veterans Village, we’re going to be focusing our efforts on building a community for veteran homeless and try and combat veteran homeless issues here in Savannah,” said Merritt.

Merritt is giving back to those who have given so much of themselves in defending freedom.

“The next step is to determine the site and then we will start implementing, quite rapidly building the facilities,” he said.

By partnering with other local non-profits, he said he hopes to have this project completed in the next 12 to 18 months.

“It’s a lot bigger initiative. It’s taking that next step and see how we can do more, especially for the local Savannah community which has been incredibly generous to us,” he said.

If you would like more information about the Nine Line Foundation or would like to help veterans in need, go to www.ninelinefoundation.org or call (912) 480-4250.

Original Article: http://fox28media.com/news/local/nine-line-foundation-to-create-veteran-village-in-savannah