This Veterans Day, we pause to recognize the men and women who have served our country. At HomeFront, we are so grateful for the many veterans who continue to serve, fixing up homes in need with us. We also recognize that for some veterans, the challenges of maintaining a safe and healthy home continue long after their military service has ended.
Whether you've been part of the HomeFront community for many years or joined us for the first time as a volunteer this spring or fall, we're grateful to have you alongside us.
For nearly 40 years, HomeFront has brought communities together to deliver substantive home repairs to veterans and other low-income homeownersat no cost to them. Together, we have made more than 300 homes healthier and safer for our local heroes. This past year, we were honored to assist local veterans through our volunteer team HomeFront Days and our year-round Critical Pro Repair (CPR) service.
A SAFER HOME FOR A NAVY VETERAN
Ronald, 84, is a Bethel resident who served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1959. Today, he faces some very different challenges. Living with Parkinson's disease, he and his wife, who also experiences significant health challenges, need a safe home environment that allows them to maintain as much independence as possible.
With help from HomeFront, their deteriorating front and side steps were replaced and their porch was rebuilt, making it safer for them to enter and leave their home.
The woman pictured on their new porch is Ronald's daughter, who helps care for her father. For families like theirs, something as fundamental as having safe steps and a sturdy porch can make an enormous difference in daily life.
It's one example of how our community can give back to someone who once served our country.
Ronald's daughter and caregiver testing the new porch.
THE NEED CONTINUES
According to Veterans Data Central, there are more than 225,500 low-income veterans living in CT & NY. An estimated 29% of CT veterans have too high of a housing cost burden. At the moment, more than 90 local veteran applicants await HomeFront’s help.
One veteran we're currently working to assist recently had a tree fall on his roof during one of our most recent heavy rain storms. Although he has homeowners insurance, the deductible is more than he can afford. Without additional help, the damage to his home will remain unresolved.
For veterans like him, and the many other homeowners facing urgent repairs, HomeFront is often their best hope for getting the help they need.
WILL YOU HELP US REACH MORE VETERANS?
Your contribution helps HomeFront provide critical repairs to veterans and other low-income homeowners who have nowhere else to turn.
This Veterans Day, please consider making a gift of any amount to help us reach more veterans and neighbors in need.
HONOR THEIR SERVICE BY SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY
Here are three other ways you can help HomeFront make a difference:
Become A Volunteer Home Evaluator
Help us identify homeowners who need assistance the most by visiting their homes, assessing repair needs and helping determine how HomeFront can make a difference. We're looking for additional volunteers to join our evaluation team. Construction skills are not needed for this role. We currently have a high volume of homes to see in:
Bridgeport, CT
Greater Danbury, CT
Greater New Haven, CT
Greater Hartford, CT
Greater Waterbury, CT
Naugatuck Valley, CT
Norwalk, CT
Stamford, CT
Westchester County, NY
You can contact Sean O'Brien to learn more about becoming a home evaluator.
Put Your Home Repair Skills to Work
Have experience with home repairs? Join HomeFront's Critical Pro Repair volunteer crew and help us tackle targeted repairs for local households in need.
Whether you can give a half-day or more, your skills can make a lasting difference. We'll work with you to identify opportunities that fit your availability and expertise.
You can contact Lou Valenti for more information.
Bring a Volunteer Group Together for Spring or Fall 2027
It's not too early to start planning! Whether you're part of a church, civic organization, business or simply a group of friends who want to make a difference, we'd love to help you explore forming a HomeFront volunteer team next spring.
You can learn more about forming a group through our website or by contacting Lou Valenti.
