Ahead of Veterans Day, The Home Depot Foundation has announced more than $30 million in new grants to help thousands of veterans access and maintain safe, accessible housing. These 44 grants will support critical home repairs, smart home modifications, and programs for those exiting homelessness. This investment moves the Foundation closer to its goal of investing $750 million in veteran causes by 2030.
Despite a decline in veteran homelessness since 2010, nearly 33,000 veterans remain without stable housing on any given night. More than 2.75 million veterans live in inadequate housing conditions. Rising rent costs and limited home inventory continue to present challenges for many veterans seeking suitable homes.
“Veterans are some of the last people to ask for help, and often the first to lend a hand to others in need. That’s why it’s so unfortunate that many continue to experience homelessness or live in homes in need of critical repairs,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “Veteran housing has been a key priority for the Foundation since 2011, and this newest investment of $30 million shows our continued priority to ensure veterans can access the housing they need to thrive.”
The new grants will fund over 20 new or renovated smart homes, more than 1,500 critical home repairs, and provide transitional or affordable housing for nearly 5,000 veterans across the country.
One initiative highlighted is the partnership with Gary Sinise Foundation; together they have dedicated their 100th smart home for Army veteran Joe Bowser after ten years working together. Team Depot volunteers contributed by enhancing the property and completing finishing touches on the home.
Additional funding will go toward organizations such as Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors to build accessible homes tailored for catastrophically wounded veterans. Grants will also support full-home ADA-compliant modifications for those who have experienced combat-related injuries.
In September, The Home Depot Foundation completed its 1,000th critical home repair project with Purple Heart Homes in Georgia. Modifications made it possible for Vietnam War veteran Mr. Hill—previously confined due to inaccessible hallways—to move freely within his house.
Approximately half of all U.S. veterans are aged 65 or older; many face disabilities or fixed incomes that make necessary repairs unaffordable. Nonprofit partners like Meals on Wheels America and Habitat for Humanity International work alongside The Home Depot Foundation on these projects.
“We’re so grateful for The Home Depot Foundation’s support and the impact we’ve made together over the past 10 years – helping 4,000 aging veterans live more safely in their homes through our Helping Homebound Heroes program,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “What may seem like small modifications – installing grab bars, fixing wobbly railings or damaged doors – can make an enormous difference for a homebound senior veteran. We’re proud to continue honoring these heroes by helping them age with comfort, safety, and dignity in their own homes.”
Programs supported by these grants also include efforts from U.S.VETS’ master lease program which secures rental units directly on behalf of at-risk or formerly homeless veterans who might otherwise struggle with approval due to rental history issues; this year’s funding expands that effort into Washington D.C., and Prescott, Arizona.
“At Operation Homefront, our mission is to ensure military families are strong, stable, and secure. Our Transitional Housing (Villages) program provides critical support during a particularly vulnerable and stressful time as veterans and their families navigate medical care separation from military service and transition into civilian life,” said Regan Huneycutt Operation Homefront Chief Revenue Officer.“Thanks to generous support from partners like The Home Depot Foundation we’re able offer these life-changing programs at no cost families who have given so much nation now need helping hand return.”
This announcement coincides with The Home Depot Foundation’s annual Celebration of Service campaign which includes hundreds of community projects nationwide focused on renovating veteran homes between Patriot Day and Veterans Day each year.
To date The Home Depot Foundation has invested over $600 million improving more than 65​,[000](https://corporate.homedepot.com/page/home-depot-foundation) veteran homes facilities across United States as part ongoing commitment supporting military families—a cause closely tied company culture given large number associates who are themselves current former service members spouses.
More information about these initiatives can be found at https://corporate.homedepot.com/page/home-depot-foundation.
