MONTGOMERY, Texas – There's a new movement taking place in Montgomery where old 40-foot long shipping containers are being given a new life and in turn changing a life.
William Franks is a 45-year-old Army veteran who has gone through some tough times.
“Mr. Franks is a veteran of Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He was homeless in New Orleans, Louisiana,” says Mark Cook, co-founder of Green Zone Housing.
That was nine-months ago when he hit rock bottom. However, life wasn't done with him yet and today he's getting a hand-up with Green Zone Housing.
“To see him working and to get his feet back while we're actually building this, it's his excitement level and his commitment to it is pretty strong,” says Michael Bradford.
Bradford is the man behind the shipping container turned home design and the lead builder on the project.
“You have the basic frame already built for you. You have the structure, it's there. So all we're doing is we cut out the space for the windows and doors … but once that's complete the interior build is very quick,” Bradford says.
From start to finish, it takes approximately six weekends of work to go from shipping container to home. Along the way, the veteran receiving the home is expected to help build as much as possible.
“If I give you a $10 bill, it's just a $10 bill. But if you invest an hour of your life for that $10 bill you spend it a little differently,” Bradford says.
Bradford believes keeping the veteran involved is a key to their future success.
In fact, he has grand plans for his young nonprofit to encourage involvement even after the home is complete.
“Phase two and phase three of our operation is to acquire land to build these on and then to have a veteran-owned community. We'll call it Green Zone Community,” Bradford says.
In only two more weeks, Franks' home will be completed much like the exhibit home on display at Jim's Hardware looks now.
Once complete, Green Zone Housing will be looking for the funding to keep their mission going.