MANSFIELD – Love Our Hero’s, a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting U.S. military veterans, is proud to announce the launch of The Ron Project—a new home construction initiative for Mansfield veteran Ron Bigelow.
A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. at 490 Tracy Street, Mansfield, where the home will be built.
Love Our Hero’s Founder, Tami Robinson, along with hundreds of volunteers and community partners, will join forces to build the new home. The effort began several years ago after Robinson met Bigelow while delivering food assistance.
Despite many failed attempts to keep the home maintained, Bigelow became victim of a caving foundation and infestation of raccoons which destroyed the property further.
“After I toured Ron’s home, I became deeply concerned for his safety,” Robinson recalls. “The house was in such poor condition that contractors determined it was beyond repair and should be torn down.
“I feel very strongly that no veteran should be sleeping on the streets or living in unsafe conditions.”
Robinson and project manager Gina Stillion set out to learn the homebuilding process from the ground up. After years of fundraising and planning, The Ron Project is now ready to break ground.
Bigelow, who served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1989, will receive the home free of charge. Built on his family’s homestead, the residence will be fully ADA-compliant to ensure long-term comfort and accessibility.
“Love Our Hero’s is not only changing my life, but the lives of my entire family,” Bigelow shared. “They have given us hope.”
Bigelow is temporarily staying in a mobile home until the home is complete.
Construction will begin immediately following the groundbreaking, with completion expected by the end of this year. Steve Thomas Builders will serve as the primary contractor, supported by numerous businesses donating labor, materials, and services.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community,” Robinson added. “This project represents what can be achieved when people come together to honor and support our veterans who sacrificed so much and fought for our country.
“My hope is that The Ron Project will inspire more opportunities to serve those who have sacrificed so much for us.”