Empowering veterans by explaining expungement
January 25, 2016Veteran battles the downs in life
February 22, 2016The Home Depot Foundation provides veterans a breath of fresh air
An Indianapolis veteran will be breathing a bit easier today thanks in part to the Home Depot Foundation.Daniel M., 56, struggled with breathing problems as a child. At 18, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. But that didn’t stop him from joining the Navy in 1976. He relied on breathing exercises to get him through. However, once back home in Indianapolis he was met with persistent pain, shortness of breath and burning lungs. He was unemployed and depressed. In July 2014, Daniel became homeless and called the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF) for help with housing.
Daniel is among 38 veterans living at the Moreau House, one of 13 transitional housing properties for homeless veterans operated HVAF. In October, the Moreau House was renovated as part of a $100,000 grant by The Home Depot Foundation.
The grant enabled HVAF to replace single pane windows that did not open easily with energy-efficient double vinyl windows as well as supplied new siding, gutters and down spouts. The project also allowed HVAF to replace the property’s 25-year-old roof.
This has benefited Daniel greatly. The fresh air helps Daniel and he can now open the windows with ease.
The Navy veteran took a deep breath as he fought back tears recalling what The Home Depot Foundation has done for veterans.
“It’s emotional,” he said. “All of us veterans at HVAF are like family and it helps a lot just knowing that organizations, like the Home Depot Foundation, are there to help. Home Depot jumped in and it has been amazing.”
Giving back to veterans is personal to The Home Depot, as more than 35,000 of the company’s associates have served in the military. Daniel says the renovations has improved his quality of life.