Renovation program begun for vets’ homes

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Purple Heart Homes, a Statesville-based charity, has announced the kick off of a new campaign, Operation Veteran Home Renovation.

Purple Heart Homes is enlisting credit unions to help renovate the homes of veterans, specifically those who are aged 65 and older.

“We were taught to never leave a soldier behind on the battlefield, and we are committed to not leaving them behind at home,” said John Gallina, cofounder and executive director of Purple Heart Homes. Gallina is a combat-wounded Iraq war veteran who received a Purple Heart during his tour of duty.

“It is going to take a movement to thank the 9 million military U.S. veterans age 65 and older, but we’ll do it, remembering their sacrifice by helping renovate veterans’ homes. This is why we are launching this campaign with participating credit unions and their state associations.”

Credit unions who participate in Operation Veteran Home Renovation will identify a veteran whose home needs a ramp, grab bars, railings, a yard cleaned up, or a fresh coat of paint. Credit unions will raise the funds for the projects, most of which can be completed by credit union staff and community volunteers in a day or two. The average cost of a project is $5,000.

More information regarding Operation Veteran Home can be found by calling 704-838-4044 or online at www.purplehearthomesusa.org.