Devens Street,
Indian Orchard

Interior/exterior #VeteransBuild project that replaced the primary bathtub with a walk-in tub and grab bars; kitchen flooring. Outside, entryway railings and stairs to be replaced.

Thomas and Dolores's #VeteransBuild project

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) is helping a disabled former Army sergeant make repairs to his Indian Orchard home. Thomas, who served in the Army in the mid-1960s and has a heart condition, will soon have his primary bathroom, kitchen, and exterior entryway fixed so he and his wife, Dolores, can “age in place.”

Veterans Build is a Habitat for Humanity national initiative that provides housing solutions, volunteer and employment opportunities for US veterans, military service members, and their families. The program serves limited-income homeowners who are affected by age, disability, or family circumstances and struggle to maintain the condition and utility of their homes.

The home preservation program provides affordable micro-loans to qualifying homeowners who need help with accessibility modifications, home weatherization, general home repairs, yard cleanup, and landscaping. GSHFH works alongside volunteers and homeowners to make repairs.

“We are grateful to once again receive funding from the Home Depot Foundation and HUD VHRMP program so that we can continue to provide repair services to veterans in our community,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director.

Thomas and Dolores purchased the 5,709-square-foot two-family home in 1993. Thomas qualifies for the Veterans Build Home Preservation program and grants from the Home Depot Foundation and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program (VHRMP). The pilot project gives competitive grants to nonprofits that serve veterans or low-income individuals and can be used to rehabilitate eligible veterans’ primary residences.

Home & Hearth Remodeling and Restoration in West Springfield, GSHFH’s subcontractor, will replace the primary bathtub with a walk-in tub and grab bars. In the kitchen, Greater Springfield Habitat will replace the flooring. The railings at exterior entryway will also be replaced and the stairs will be repaired.