A Veteran’s Story: Marshall Shull
“I served my country for 20 years, and when I came home, I didn’t recognize the life I returned to.”
This is what Marshall Shull, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, said about his return to civilian life after over 20 years of service.
Marshall served in multiple deployments, including Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a loving husband and a caring father to two sons. Mr. Shull and his family moved to the Clermont area in 2018 while Marshall was still on active duty.
In 2019, Marshall’s service ended, and significant instability and financial hardships began to set in. After struggling for four years, Mr. Shull was diagnosed with PTSD. He had a hard time finding employment and providing a stable source of income for his family.
His battles with PTSD caused him to sink into depression. He found it difficult to adjust to his life as a civilian. On top of this, the Shulls’ home fell into disrepair –needing critical repairs to the roof and septic system. Without these repairs, the Shulls risked losing their home insurance. This would affect their ability to satisfy their mortgage, ultimately leading them to lose their home.
This is where Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Veterans Housing Initiative stepped in. Through the Veterans Housing Initiative and the Preservation and Repair Program, Habitat Lake-Sumter was able to provide Marshall and his family with a brand-new roof and septic system. These repairs have created stability for the Shull family and allowed them to stay in their home.
The Shull’s received more than critical home repairs – they received a beacon of hope during their darkest days.
“Things were really tough, and it was a very dark time for me. Because of Habitat, I can keep my home and my coverage. They prevented us from being homeless. Although we’re not out of the woods yet, I can finally see a clearing.”
The Veterans Housing Initiative is our way of saying thank you to those who’ve served. Through this program, local Veterans receive critical home repairs, safe and affordable housing opportunities, and the support of a caring community.
Last year, we completed 6 Veteran home repair projects, helping 14 family members enjoy safety and stability in their homes.
This Veterans Day, we remember that a safe home is more than walls and a roof. It is safety, hope, and healing. Stories like Marshall’s show us what is possible when a community comes together to provide a hand up to those who need it most.
You can make a difference in the lives of Veterans just like Marshall. Your support today can mean a lifetime of stability for those who have served us all.
This November, we need community partners like you to help Veterans stay in their homes and care for their families. You can be part of Habitat Lake-Sumter’s mission to provide safe, decent, affordable housing solutions to Veterans across Lake and Sumter counties.
We invite you to visit us online at www.habitatls.org/veterans-housing-initiative to learn more about how YOU can make a difference for our community’s Veterans today.