There are a number of non-profits dedicated to helping veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. All of their missions are similar, they seek to help veterans transition back to civilian life. The challenges are many; none greater than the challenges put in front of the severely injured veterans. These veterans face months, sometimes years of intense rehabilitation. Unfortunately, once they come home, they often find that most homes are not barrier-free; they are difficult, nearly impossible, (but we all know nothing is impossible for these veterans) for the veterans who suffered these injuries to navigate.
Think ramps, barrier free showers and tubs, lower counter-tops, shelf heights, electrical switch heights, wider doors, and in many cases, doorknobs and faucet handles. The non-profit Homes for Our Troops was created and specifically works to build specially adapted housing to overcome the above barriers. Their goal is to provide housing to each and every severely wounded veteran. These homes are provided mortgage-free to these veterans, allowing them to focus on the task of building careers and attending college. As of January 16, 2015, Homes for Our Troops have built 180 specially adapted homes nationwide. The goal of HFOT is to build a home for every veteran who qualifies for one of these specially adapted homes. There are an estimated 1,900 veterans with limb amputations, blindness, spinal cord injuries (paralysis), and severe burns. The national average cost to build such a home is $422,000.00.
HFOT is a privately funded organization and receives no assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government organization. Nearly 70 percent of their operational budget is generated by individual donors and community fundraisers. Their remaining support comes from corporations, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
Fidelity Management Corporation (managers of the Ambassador, Park Place One, and Imperial Manor Apartments) is thrilled to partner with Homes for Our Troops. For each apartment rented, it is our intent to make a contribution in the name of our new resident to this incredible organization. Renting one of our apartments effectively makes each new resident a contributor. Each resident will receive a thank you note from HFOT.
The idea for this partnership occurred during our attendance at the National Builder’s Show this year in Las Vegas. Homes for Our Troops had a small booth set up, and we decided to ask how we could help. It’s quite inspiring to speak to the staff of the organization, even more inspiring to meet and speak to these very special young men and women, true heroes.
Whether or not you become a resident, we encourage you to make a contribution to this most worthy charity. The premier non-profit rating company, Charity Navigator rates Homes for Our Troops with a four-star rating, and HFOT appears on their list of Top-Rated military and veterans charities. To make a donation, visit www.hfotusa.org or call 866-7-TROOPS.
