Campobello, S.C., home builder Chip Smith and his company Blue Ridge Log Cabins were recently recognized by Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for building a home for women veterans.

The home was donated to the Jubilee House program of Steps-N-Stages, a non-profit agency founded by Navy veteran Barbara Marshall that provides housing for homeless and disabled women veterans and their families in Fayetteville, N.C.

“Chip’s generosity and Barbara Marshall’s vision have provided an invaluable service to those who have sacrificed their safety for ours,” Gowdy said during his remarks. “When it comes to our veterans, it is imperative that we encourage efforts like this that support those in need.”

“It is truly humbling to be recognized at the highest level in the country,” said Smith. “We felt very strongly about the plight of homeless women veterans and couldn’t let this opportunity to make a difference pass us by.”

The construction of the home was featured on the season premiere of the ABC television series “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," on Sept. 25, with First Lady Michelle Obama appearing as a special guest volunteer worker.

In addition to transitional and permanent housing, Steps-N-Stages provides mentoring, life coaching, job search assistance, peer counseling and other support services for veterans.

More than 30 homeless women veterans and their families will be served by the housing and resources in Jubilee House.

The log home was assembled from 13 modular units over seven days with the help of more than 4,000 volunteers.

Smith, a member of NAHB’s Building Systems Councils and Log Home Council, donated the home, and local companies and individuals donated supplies, materials and funds to help complete it.

Click here to read a Sept. 19 Nation’s Building News story on  the construction of the home.

Rep. Gowdy also recognized Smith as an innovator and a leader in the modular log cabin industry.

“I am very proud of what our company has done,” said Smith. “Our creativity and innovative practices have allowed us to be successful and give back to the community through this tough time for home builders.”

About 90% of a Blue Ridge home is constructed in the factory, which reduces costs and allows the home to be completed faster than a conventionally constructed log home.  

“The First Lady told me, ‘I hope other people look at what you’re doing and are inspired to build homes like this around the country,’” said Smith. “It would be the best outcome imaginable for these deserving veterans for that to happen.”

For more information, email Gwyn Donohue at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8447.