Last fall the Theo Rex family from Buffalo, Minnesota was at the building site of their new home in Hovland. While they hoped to be in it before fall ended, some delays pushed back the project. The house is now almost complete and was built because of the efforts of Journey Home, an organization located in North Oaks, Minnesota, to aid wounded veterans. Theo served 15 years in the Army, leaving the service in 2014 as a disabled veteran. Cutting the ribbon on the site of their home last summer were Jamie (mom), Hunter and Ben, with their dad, Theo standing between Jamie and Hunter.
There is a saying that “Home is Where Your Story Begins” but for the Rex family, home will be where the story and journey continue.
Theo and Jamie Rex partnered with a nonprofit organization called Journey Home Minnesota to build a barrier-free home specifically for Theo’s needs. Theo and Jamie will purchase the home located in Hovland from Journey Home Minnesota once it is complete.
Theo is a 15-year Army veteran who suffered a severe foot injury while deployed to Iraq in 2005-2006. His physical injuries also affect his back, hip, and mobility. Prior surgeries have not been able to correct the injury.
Once his new home is complete, he will have another surgery which will require no weight bearing on his foot for six months. Theo also lives every day with PTSD. The calm and peaceful surroundings in Hovland will take Theo away from the chaos and stimulation of the city while connecting him to the forest and nature.
The home is under construction currently and will be handicapped accessible with three bedrooms, main floor laundry, energy efficient appliances, and a detached garage. The detached garage was built with help from Minnesota Wounded Warrior Project volunteers in October 2017. Theo and Jamie along with their two sons Ben and Hunter are anxiously awaiting the day they get the keys to their new home.
“It makes me feel that I am once again able to provide stability and a place my sons can call home and come home to later. Being disabled and not able to work makes it hard to feel like a provider, but owning a home gives me that ability,” said Theo.
Local fundraiser
There will be a local fundraiser for the Rex family on Saturday, May 26 at the Hovland Town Hall. A potluck will run from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by music courtesy of the Splintertones, who will play from 7 to 10 p.m. Money raised will hopefully cover the funding shortfall and ease the financial burden on the Rex family as they move to their Hovland home.
Fundraiser
We are calling on the generosity of friends, family, neighbors, and strangers to help us finish building the #RexHouse. Your financial support will be used to directly build this barrier-free home. Journey Home Minnesota is a privately funded nonprofit organization and receives no government funding. The organization works with military veterans as well as domestic violence victims to find affordable, single-family housing in Minnesota. Currently they have 44 homes in Minnesota. To find out more information about Journey Home Minnesota, please visit www.journeyhomeusa.org All donations are tax deductible and go towards appliances, drywall, flooring, fixtures, kitchen cabinets, lighting, paint, and water heater.
How you can help today
1. Donate what you can, no amount is too small and donations are tax deductible. At the end of the fundraiser, a tax donation receipt will be sent to all donors.
2. Share this campaign with your friends and family and on social media with the hashtag #RexHouse
3. Have a connection to a business that would donate items or services? Contact us.
Contact info
Have a question? Want to donate items? Looking for volunteer info? Please contact Angela Kinneberg at angela.kinneberg@hotmail.com
Donations may also be mailed to:
Journey Home – Rex Family
Attn: Angela Kinneberg
2209 Bluebird Lane
Buffalo, MN 55313
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