Local Navy Veteran celebrates his send off with Fifth Street Ministries
Staff, board members and community supporters gathered at Fifth Street Ministries to celebrate Marine veteran James “Jim” Taylor as he prepares to begin his new chapter in his life with a permanent home in Glasgow, Virginia.
The celebration recognized Taylor’s military service and the contributions he has made through his work and volunteer efforts as Fifth Street Ministries.
Taylor’s new home was constructed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., through Purple Heart Homes’ National Mall Project. More than 600 volunteers helped build the home in seven days before it was transported to Virginia, where it will be placed on a permanent foundation.
Purple Heart Homes, founded in Statesville in 2008, partnered with Fifth Street Ministries in 2022 to provide two modular homes for veterans experiencing housing insecurity. In 2024, four additional homes were built, bringing the total to six.
Tamara Roach, executive director of Fifth Street Ministries, shared her gratitude to Purple Heart Homes and Fifth Street Ministries for the collaboration and the outcome for Taylor. “What a wonderful day to celebrate this man and his new chapter of his life. We have had the privilege to know him during his time here at Fifth Street Ministries.”
Roach shares how Taylor was excited to see the process of the home being built and his joy of being a homeowner. Not only does Taylor have a key to his future home but to his own future and security of being under his own roof.
Fifth Street board member Nick Martin and supervisor Takeem Marshall also recognized Taylor's dedication, describing him as a dependable presence who consistently went above and beyond to help staff and fellow residents.
“He is the first person I can call when I need something,” Marshall said, recalling Taylor's willingness to help during holidays, events and kitchen operations.
Taylor expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him during his time at Fifth Street.
“This has been a great place to work and a great place to volunteer,” Taylor said. “Everyone here deserves my thanks for the experience that I got here.”
Community members can help Taylor settle into his new home by contributing through Jim's Housewarming Gift List. Gifts should be returned to Fifth Street Ministries by the end of November.
Read more about Taylor's journey in Lake Norman Record's previous coverage.
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