Sherwood Family Receives New Home Through Homes for Heroes Program
Rosa Sherwood felt a wave of emotion when she entered her new home. Seeing the dishwasher brought her particular joy. “I’m officially not the dishwasher anymore!” she exclaimed. Her husband, Shawn, felt at home when he placed his sweet tea in the fridge. The Portage home was a gift to the Sherwoods and their four daughters, provided by the Homes for Heroes program, which assists veterans and first responders.
Shawn, a former petty officer first class in the U.S. Navy, had a notable military career. He witnessed the transport of Osama bin Laden’s body and served on the USS Enterprise. He recalls an unusual change of command when the new commander arrived in a costume from Star Trek. In Afghanistan in 2011, a rocket attack injured him, leading to several lasting health issues, including bilateral sciatica and PTSD. “My back was so messed up,” Shawn shared, explaining his need to frequently move to avoid pain.
“My back was so messed up.”
The event celebrating the new home took place on June 25, 2026. The Sherwoods’ service dogs, Mac and Daisy, were welcomed with treats in the new house. Homes for Heroes has renovated or built over 465 homes in 20 years, aiming to reach 500 by Christmas, according to Rusty Smallwood, the Director of Construction. Another veteran in Mokena, Illinois also received a home.
JP Morgan Chase donated the house to the Sherwoods. Ernie Shanders, a vice president at the firm, expressed how rewarding such donations are. The company aims to provide stability and financial health through home ownership. They have pledged to donate 1,000 homes to veterans, a target they reached in November.
Shawn expressed his gratitude, feeling honored to be given a home. “Circumstances did not work in our favor” previously, he noted. The Sherwoods now have their permanent home and access to a local bank and favorite store, Lowe’s. Lowe’s contributed materials and volunteer labor to prepare the home, with store manager Sharon Paige recalling her high school memories of Shawn.
“It’s just a real treat to see the entire home could be ready for their use.”
The Sherwood family previously moved often, most recently staying at a grandmother’s house in Hobart. Gabby Sherwood, 15, was thrilled to have her choice of bedrooms. Rosa planned a quick move-in. The family had visited the home during construction to ensure it met their needs. Initially skeptical about receiving such a valuable home, Shawn felt reassured as the process concluded.
Contractor George Eizenga worked on the Portage house, transforming it from a neglected property into a welcoming home. The house had sat unused, raising neighbor concerns over its condition. Eizenga, with the help of Project Manager Kim Crosby, turned that vision into reality, overcoming issues like a rotting deck and a poorly maintained fence.
Shawn, once a fireman in the Navy, later served as a builder first class with the Seabees. He dedicated over 18 years to military service before his honorable discharge in 2014. Recently, he became a construction teacher at Chesterton High School.