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Home Depot Foundation’s $30 Million Impact: Building Hope for Veterans

Update Building Hope: Home Depot’s Commitment to Veterans In a heartwarming display of service and gratitude, over 500 enthusiastic Team Depot volunteers came together at The Home Depot’s Atlanta Store Support Center to honor Veterans Day by engaging in a large-scale project that created handcrafted toys and playhouses for local military families. This initiative not only honored those who have served but also demonstrated The Home Depot Foundation’s dedication to ensuring that veterans and their families have the resources they need for a stable and nurturing home environment. Transforming Lives through Generosity The volunteers, clad in their iconic orange shirts, transformed lumber and various materials into symbols of gratitude — with plans to support 75 local military and veteran families through crafted items like playhouses, wagons, and toy benches. As Erin Izen, Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation and a Marine Corps spouse, emphasized, “Today we’re not just taking care of veterans, we’re taking care of their families.” This sentiment drives home the crucial message that the wellbeing of service members extends beyond their individual experiences, reaching into the lives of their loved ones. The Larger Vision: $30 Million Investment in Housing Aligning with the spirit of generosity showcased during the Veterans Day project, The Home Depot Foundation recently announced a new investment of $30 million earmarked for veteran housing. This initiative includes grants that aim to provide critical home repairs and smart home modifications, ensuring that veterans have access to safe and stable living conditions. With nearly 33,000 veterans experiencing homelessness on any given night in the U.S., this investment is a significant step towards combating the devastating impacts of inadequate housing among our nation’s heroes. Community Involvement: The Heart of the Initiative Local organizations like Atlanta Toys for Tots and HouseProud Atlanta played pivotal roles in coordinating this impactful project. HouseProud, a nonprofit that has been helping seniors and veterans since 2012, exemplifies the community’s unified effort to support those who served. Lisa Flowers Jones, Executive Director of HouseProud Atlanta, organized logistics for the volunteers, ensuring that every detail from tools to delivery ran smoothly. This partnership illustrates how collaboration between corporations and community organizations can magnify the support provided to veterans. A Personal Touch: Sharing Stories of Impact The emotional impact of such initiatives cannot be underestimated. Kelly Wilson, a coordinator from Toys for Tots, highlighted the tangible gratitude expressed by families who are often unable to provide such simple joys like a bicycle or playhouse for their children. “This isn’t just a toy; it’s a wish come true,” she said, pointing out the profound difference small acts of generosity can make in the lives of veterans’ families. Hope for the Future The impact of the service projects extends beyond a single day of volunteering; it sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at supporting veterans. As the Home Depot Foundation continues its investment strategy, including plans to allocate a total of $750 million toward veteran causes by 2030, there is hope that communities across the nation will be inspired to mobilize resources and support in innovative ways. Conclusion: Take Action in Your Community The Veterans Day project is a reminder of the power of community action in supporting those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply raising awareness about the needs of veteran families, everyone has a role to play in ensuring that veterans and their loved ones feel valued and supported. How will you engage to make a difference in your local veteran community?