Veteran gets new home

MILLER PLACE, NY (FOX 5 NY) - A Long Island army veteran and his family have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.

They’re getting ready to move into a new home thanks to the kindness of their neighbors.

A brand new home for a deserving family.

Renee Cote, her husband Glen and their son Zachary haven't had it easy. The house they were renting was foreclosed, and they each battle their own set of illnesses. 

Our son was diagnosed with brain cancer at five. I have a rare illness, and my husband got hurt but we're ok.

Thanks to an outpour of support from community, they can finally settle into their own home in the Miller Place school district, which has been accommodating to Zachary. With a couch and a dining room table, they don't even have to go shopping.

I don't have to worry about someone not paying the mortgage when I'm paying rent.

“For the community to come together, stranger or not- It's an amazing thing,” said Baisch.

Mark Baisch, the President of Landmark Properties, works with the local VFW to build homes for qualifying veterans. Glen was a combat medic with the U.S. Army during the Gulf War.

“We built our first house and the support we got was incredible, but transformed into this,” he said.

The Cote's three-bedroom home has a two car garage, oak flooring, and brand new appliances.

Zachary already found his favorite spot. He's calling it his fort - underneath the staircase.

The Cote family will sleep here tonight. They have a few more surprises from community secret Santa's including a Christmas tree. They plan to host the first of many Christmases in their new home.