VETERAN BUILD 2022 Co-Chairs: Chuck Millar & Julia Dattolo

Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County Veteran Build partners with military service members, their families, and the families of the fallen to build affordable housing. We believe service members deserve to be welcomed home with honor, dignity, and respect. We are dedicated to serving those who serve by providing affordable home ownership opportunities in Palm Beach County.


Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County Veteran Build officially began in 2021 in response to grassroots Habitat efforts to serve housing needs of returning veterans. Habitat is now empowering military and veteran families to achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives.


About the Royal Family:

Melissa Royal is a mother to three sons, two of whom will be sharing her home with her. She is a military veteran, having served 7 years in the U.S Army. It is important for Melissa to stay near family, and she says becoming a homeowner will allow her to do that. Prior to be accepting into the Habitat program, Melissa believed she may need to move out of state to find affordable housing.

Royal says the road to homeownership hasn’t been easy; she spent an entire year searching for a home. “I kept getting out-bid,” says Royal, “Houses were going because people would pay cash.”

With a weight that has been lifted off her shoulders, Royal says she feels great about being a future homeowner. “It’s like my dream has come true. The hugest part of this is I can have my family come over. I can now have family gatherings. I don’t have to worry about moving.”