PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Raising a family is about to get a little easier for a disabled veteran, and it's all coming free of charge.
Juan Amaris talked with WPTV at the Palm Beach County home which is nearing completion. The home is provided by Homes for Our Troops.
"It's a blessing," Amaris said.
It's a blessing after a long journey to get to this point.
In 2006, Amaris was burned on 75% of his body after an explosion at his U.S. Army base in Iraq. Eventually, due to nerve damage and pain, Amaris had his hands amputated.
Now, the Broward County native is moving to Palm Beach County for this new beginning.
"God never gave you more than you can handle, it's very true," Amaris said. "Anything that happens to me, bad or positive, I never judge. I just know it happened for a reason. What happened to me, it (taught) me, one of them, having patience, and the second one is not taking anything for granted. I'm grateful."
Homes for Our Troops reports the nonprofit has built more than 350 homes for veterans since 2004. They are specifically adapted for disabled veterans' needs.
This Saturday morning, Homes for Our Troops is asking for volunteers to help landscape Amaris' yard. It's another thing for which Amaris is thankful.
"I'm blessed to be able to raise my kids and to see them," he said. "Now look, I'm going to provide a home for them, you know, thanks to this organization."
For anyone interested in volunteering, the address is 12273 69th St. North in the Acreage area in Palm Beach County. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. and the work starts at 8 a.m. Volunteers should bring gardening gloves. They'll receive a free T-shirt and lunch.
