Wyoming Army Guard Builds 12 Affordable Homes in Cheyenne

When the Wyoming Army National Guard's 307th Engineer Utilities Detachment showed up to build homes in their own community, they weren't just swinging hammers. They were changing the trajectory of families for generations.

Soldiers wrapped up a collaborative homebuilding project with Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County on June 25, marking a major milestone in expanding affordable housing for Cheyenne families. The partnership supported Habitat's ambitious 12-home development, bringing together military personnel, nonprofit organizations, and local volunteers to accelerate construction.

"The partnership with the 307th Engineer Utilities Detachment has been a huge impact," said Dan Dorsch, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County. "It's allowed us to jumpstart our 12-unit development and gave us a huge boost to the housing production that we were hoping to do."

Throughout the build, Soldiers worked side by side with community volunteers, contributing their labor and expertise to families who will soon call these houses home. What made the project special was watching these service members build for neighbors they might actually meet at the grocery store.

"Every day they showed up excited to work," Dorsch said. "Knowing they were building these homes for their community, in their own backyard, and for families they serve was really cool to see."

The Ripple Effect

Stable, affordable housing creates benefits that extend far beyond four walls and a roof. According to Dorsch, families with affordable homes see improved education outcomes for their children and gain the stability to stay rooted in the communities they love.

"It will be a hand up for these families for generations to come," he said. The project demonstrates how partnerships can tackle local challenges through shared service and collaboration.

"Habitat's mission is bringing people together to build homes, community and hope," Dorsch explained. "This project is a prime example of that mission in action."

With the current development nearing completion, Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County is already planning its next chapter. The organization aims to begin another 12-home development in 2027 and hopes to continue partnering with military units to increase affordable housing throughout the county.

As more homes rise from empty lots, so does the need for more helping hands working together toward a common goal.