ATLANTA — Atlanta-based The Home Depot is investing millions of dollars to help veterans avoid homelessness by addressing the need for accessible and stable housing.
The company said, according to projections from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), "the number of veterans over the age of 85 who require care will increase by a staggering 535% over the next 20 years."
“As veterans age, small accessibility modifications can mean the difference between remaining in their own homes versus being displaced,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “With this new $10 million investment, The Home Depot Foundation is proud to further our support of our nonprofit partners improving veteran housing across the country, helping veterans safely maintain their independence for years to come.”
The Home Depot Foundation stating that the funding will help with the following:
- Creation of affordable housing: Over 230 new or refurbished rental units constructed by organizations including U.S.VETS and Coalition for Responsible Community Development will be made available for veterans.
- Critical home repairs: More than 125 urgent home repairs for low-income veteran families will be conducted by organizations such as Operation Homefront.
- Financial relief: Rental and/or mortgage assistance provided by Housing Assistance Council and similar organizations will be provided to over 270 veterans.
- Home adaptations and smart homes: 400 home adaptations and critical home repairs will be completed by Semper Fi & America's Fund, and seven new fully custom smart homes will be built by Gary Sinise Foundation for veterans with significant service-related disabilities.
In addition, The Home Depot Foundation and Team Depot, the company's associate volunteer force, will get to work on hundreds of service projects nationwide to make sure these veterans have homes that are both safe and accessible to them as they continue through life's journey.
The Home Depot also noted that during November, Team Depot will focus on "making veteran housing safer, more accessible and livable for the long run. Beyond physical improvements, Team Depot will also deliver special moments of appreciation to honor those who have served."
