Grand Rapids, MI, developer starts Homes of Hope; this May will build LEED-certified, solar-equipped house in 6 days and donate it to a veteran in need.

"When homebuilder Rich Bloem bought a vacant lot in Southeast Grand Rapids in April, the plan - construct a home and make a profit - was the same he's always formulated over his 21 years in the business. That changed within the week as Bloem, the owner of True North Homes, said he had an epiphany that led him to do something drastically different. Bloem created Homes of Hope, a nonprofit organization that will lead a build that will transform the barren lot at 336 Donald Pl. SE into a completed residence in six days. And the house will go to a veteran for free." -- Jonathan Van Zytveld, the Grand Rapids Press