Celebrating Veterans Day
During this Veterans Day Weekend, we want to thank all of our neighbors who served our country. But, just like you, we try to thank them through our deeds, and we try to do it all year-round. It has been our honor to make 380 homes more livable for veterans in need over the years.
We are in awe of our local heroes. One of the bravest things they have done is admit when they could use a helping hand. Today, we would like to bring you to the homes of a few veterans we helped together this year.
Right now, we have requests from 100 veterans living in dilapidated homes, right in your backyard. One powerful way to thank our veterans would be to make sure that the homes they live in are healthy and safe for them.
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
—Joseph Campbell
Year-Round Critical Pro Repairs for Veterans
Frank is a 90-year-old widower who served in the Army during the Korean War. He has lived in his Danbury home for 62 years. Recently, we learned that Frank was unable to take a shower.
Just last month, through our Critical Pro Repair (CPR) for veterans service, we sent a pro volunteer to repair his shower, replace his toilet and vanity while addressing some unsafe flooring issues.
William is an 87-year-old Korean War Marine veteran. He has lived in his Waterbury home all his life. When we met him, he told us that his bedroom was freezing cold because he had no insulation. The wind would blow through the floor.
Through our CPR for vets service we were able to insulate the basement below William’s bedroom, replace two windows, install a new toilet, repair his front entry door and fix a downspout drainage issue he was having from his house to the road.
Our CPR helper paints William's door after repairing it.
William examines his new window.
Spring & Fall HomeFront Days for Veterans
It is also rewarding when we are able to assist veterans who served more recently. Jackie met her soul mate when they served together in the mid-1990s. They lived together in their Enfield home until he passed away this winter.
The mission for volunteers from St. Raymond of Peñafort was ambitious. Just take a look at what they tackled:
14 windows, a storm and entry door replaced,
front porch repaired,
failing gutters addressed,
five rooms, exterior trim, decks & porches painted,
all new kitchen cabinets and countertops,
fixed kitchen ceiling & bathroom wall which was causing upstairs pipes to freeze,
laid down new kitchen & bath floors,
installed grab bars.
The enormity of it all moved Jackie to write, “More people should hear about this program. I can say that the American flag flies proudly on my little historic home now. HomeFront gave us love, hope and a small miracle.”
Caring for Our Veterans This Winter
It doesn’t sit well with us to have people who sacrificed so much for us freezing in their homes, unable to take a shower, or dealing with hazards right where they live. Together, we can show them how much we appreciate them. A donation of any amount can do just that.
Sometimes, what they really need most is as simple as a working smoke detector. Others might need grab bars installed. Still others need major improvements, like a new furnace, a wheelchair ramp or a roof. Through the volunteers we mobilize and materials that we get discounted and donated, HomeFront is able to double the value of every dollar contributed to take care of our local heroes through the cold winter months.
Donate Your Skills for Veterans
If you are skilled and would like to help us around your schedule with our CPR projects for vets, please contact Lou Valenti for more information.
It’s an honor to join in this cause with you. Happy Veterans Day from all of us!
