Team Depot Gives Local Veteran Home Makeover
Earlier this year, Frank walked through the doors of Volunteers of America North Louisiana’s Safe Haven program, a temporary shelter for homeless veterans. A street outreach program had found him living in an abandoned building. Soon, the veteran’s staff learned Frank’s story.
At age 82, Frank has traveled the world serving our country. He served as an U.S. Air Force airman in the Korean and Vietnam wars. They also learned Frank did have a home in Bossier City, La, but due to disrepair and structural damage – he could not live there.
Yesterday, approximately 70 Team Depot volunteers from District 282 gathered around Frank’s home to not only give a local veteran hope, but provide an extreme home makeover.
This community partnership is part of The Home Depot’s sixth-annual “Celebration of Service” campaign, a two-month-long campaign focused on improving the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families.
“Our celebration of service project to remodel Frank’s home is the perfect example of the ongoing relationship between Volunteers of America North Louisiana and The Home Depot/Team Depot. Over 6 years, we have helped hundreds of local veterans who otherwise would remain homeless or disenfranchised facing a multitude of challenges with little or no resources for help” said Jack Parker, General Manager, Home Depot Store #356. “We are proud of this partnership and the lives that have changed and blessed as a result of both organization’s efforts.”
The entire atmosphere was fun and uplifting as associates volunteered on their day off work. As loud music played, Team Depot volunteers painted the exterior and interior walls, repaired holes in the roof, cleaned and landscaped the yard, as well as completely remodeled Frank’s kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. And there are still more renovations to complete before Frank moves back home.
In the meantime, Volunteers of America North Louisiana staff are working tirelessly to ensure Frank receives the medical care and support services he deserves. Frank is optimistic and looking forward to seeing his extreme home makeover.
He says by the end of this year, “I hope to be living back in my house and might even build a deck in my backyard.”
FAST FACTS:
- This project was chosen as a district-wide effort, so it will include participants from nine different stores.
- Safe Haven is a low-barrier shelter housing 25 homeless, single men and women with the goal of providing immediate housing and then connecting veterans to services they need. It opened in 2013.
- In 2015-16, 86 veterans were served at Safe Haven and 71% moved into permanent housing.
- This marks Volunteers of America North Louisiana’s 6th project with Team Depot.
