Oxford US Army veteran gets new mini-house

An army of volunteers and donors got to work after learning of the horrific living conditions of the disabled 71-year-old veteran

OXFORD, Mississippi (WCBI) – On a road in Lafayette County, U.S. Army veteran Frankie Dunn, hiding under a tent to find some shelter from the heat, was the guest of honor at a brief ceremony where he was presented with the key to his new home.

After Dunn’s wife died, the house they had lived in for years burned down. Since then, Dunn lived in a makeshift warehouse that he planned to convert into a house, but a stroke put an end to his plans.

Scott Burns, founder of the nonprofit organization 7 Days for the Troops, heard about the 71-year-old veteran’s plight.

“I was preparing for our event in Tupelo when someone reached out to me on behalf of Mr. Dunn. He had a request and we wanted to do what we could to help him fulfill that request,” Burns said.

Burns contacted North Carolina-based Purple Heart Homes, which helps provide housing for veterans, and the project gained momentum.

“After contacting the local authorities to find out what permits and inspections we needed, we knew we could bring this home here and put it up,” said Lamar Austin of Purple Heart Homes.

The 30-square-meter house was delivered and built within a week with the help of an army of volunteers recruited by Burns.

While work on the wheelchair ramp continued, Dunn was able to take a first look at his new home.

“I’m grateful, grateful for what we get. I didn’t know veterans got something like this, but I thank my children for finding people who do this. And ask God to bless you,” Dunn said.

Joshua Price said his father always encouraged his family to be honest and do the right thing. He said the new home is a reward for his father’s loyalty over the years.

“After all the hard work he’s done for us and making sure we’re OK, and after my mother died, I want him to enjoy his life. I want him to enjoy his time here with his family and friends and know that there are people who love him and care about him,” Price said.

The wheelchair ramp should be ready in the next few days, but the project is still short of funds. However, organizers are confident that once word spreads, donors will step forward to fund the project and then help other veterans in need.

To learn how you can help with Dunn’s housing costs, go to 7daysforthetroops.org or lilaherzheimeusa.org or call Scott Burns at (662)401-3349.

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