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A Central Coast organization is helping female veterans transition into civilian life through tiny homes

Sandy Blair founded Operation WEBS through her own struggles after leaving the military.
Posted at 5:13 PM, Nov 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-10 01:41:35-05

Sandy Blair is using her experience with transitioning out of the Air Force back in 2005 to help other female veterans.

Blair founded Operation WEBS (Women Empowered Build Strong), a non-profit focused on helping women who need housing after they leave the military.

"I hate to know that there is a female veteran out there that is on her best friends couch like I was or wondering where she is going to take her children," said Blair.

Operation WEBS teamed up with Operation Tiny Home and several sponsors such as The Home Depot, Wells Fargo, and Milwaukee Tools to provide a workshop for active duty members, veterans, and civilian participants.

During the three-day workshop, participants learned how to use basic finish carpentry skills to build multi-functional furniture for any tiny home on wheels (THOW) dwelling.

"I want to join again and be part of the mission and help build more homes for people," said Valerie Garcia, an active U.S. Airforce member who participated in the workshop.

In the closing ceremony Saturday afternoon, Operation Tiny Home officially gifted Blair the first tiny home for her organization.

Gabrielle Rapport, the founder and executive director of Operation Tiny home, says these homes serve as a stepping stool for those who need the extra help.

"Not everybody is going to want to live tiny. it's not for everybody, but for those people that are struggling with housing and stability or homelessness, this gives them the hope for a whole new future," added Rapport.

That home will now be used to help house a female veteran transitioning into civilian life.

If you would like to learn more about Operation WEBS, click here and for Operation Tiny Home click here.