Veterans Day Marks Milestone for Meals on Wheels and Home Depot Foundation's Support for Veteran Homes

Celebrating a Milestone for Senior Veterans

On this Veterans Day, a remarkable achievement has been announced by Meals on Wheels America in partnership with The Home Depot Foundation: the repair and modification of 4,000 homes for senior veterans across the nation. This achievement underscores a commitment to enhancing the living conditions for those who've served the country, allowing them to age comfortably in their own homes.

Since their collaboration began in 2015, The Home Depot Foundation has dedicated over $21 million to the 'Helping Homebound Heroes' initiative. This program is vital for offering essential home repairs, making residences safer and more accessible for aging veterans, many of whom prefer to remain in their homes, according to research conducted by AARP.

One poignant case demonstrating this program's impact is that of Juan Lopez, a veteran from Austin, Texas. After an ice storm caused severe damage to his roof, water leakage became a serious problem, contributing to health issues for his wife due to mold. Faced with mounting repairs, Juan reached out to Meals on Wheels Central Texas, who were able to help. Crews replaced his roof and undertook significant upgrades, including new windows, a modern HVAC unit, and a walk-in shower equipped with grab bars—all valued at nearly $40,000.

Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, expressed pride in the decade-long relationship with The Home Depot Foundation. She said, “By improving home safety and accessibility, we're working together to help senior veterans stay in the places they love for as long as possible.” This partnership bridges the gap between governmental funding and private support, addressing the needs of a growing population of older adults.

While Meals on Wheels is widely recognized for its meal delivery services, its efforts extend deep into enhancing seniors' overall living conditions. The organization not only delivers nutrition but also promotes independence and safety. Unfortunately, local providers often depend on federal financing which has not matched the increasing demands and rising operational costs of the aging population. Studies suggest only 1% of private donations focus on aiding seniors, making support from foundations like Home Depot crucial in narrowing this gap.

“The Home Depot Foundation is proud to work alongside Meals on Wheels America to ensure our nation's veterans receive the respect and support they have earned,” said Sean Vissar from The Home Depot Foundation. This Veterans Day and every day forward, their commitment focuses on strengthening communities and serving those who have served the nation.

As a testament to the program's success, the Meals on Wheels network serves approximately 360,000 veterans each year, a figure that highlights the demand for such services. With older veterans more likely to have functional disabilities compared to their peers, many Meals on Wheels programs efficiently integrate home repair and modification services into their offerings, thanks in part to The Home Depot Foundation’s support.

Additionally, around 43% of older veterans exhibit signs of isolation, a challenge that Meals on Wheels programs are uniquely positioned to address, providing much-needed social interaction alongside meal deliveries.

For those interested in supporting or learning more about the positive changes initiated by Meals on Wheels America and The Home Depot Foundation, further information is available online. Discover how these organizations aim to empower senior veterans and foster a sense of community while ensuring that no veteran feels forgotten or unsupported as they age in place.

For more details on Meals on Wheels America, please visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org. To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation and their initiatives for veterans, please check out HomeDepotFoundation.org.

Together, these initiatives not only celebrate the contributions of veterans but also demonstrate real, positive changes in the lives of those who have sacrificed for their country.

Conclusion

The milestone of repairing 4,000 homes stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration, community support, and unwavering dedication to service. It emphasizes the importance of partnerships that work towards a shared goal: enhancing the lives of senior veterans across America. On this Veterans Day, let us remember the importance of honoring those who served by ensuring they live safely and comfortably in their own homes.