CHATHAM COUNCIL ON AGING

COA’s grant from Meals on Wheels, Home Depot Foundation to assist with home repairs

Posted

PITTSBORO — Meals on Wheels America has announced that The Home Depot Foundation has committed $2.53 million to support expansion of Helping Homebound Heroes, a program that provides home repairs and modifications for aging veterans.

This increase in funding will enable Helping Homebound Heroes to double its geographic reach, from eight to 16 markets across the country.

The Chatham County Council on Aging is entering its fourth year as a participating agency in the Helping Homebound Heroes program, having served 54 Chatham veterans in that time frame. 

“We are appreciative of the continuing support provided by Meals on Wheels America and The Home Depot Foundation in assuring older Chatham County veterans can live safely in their own homes for as long as possible,” Council on Aging Director Ashlyn Martin said. “These men and women have risked and put their lives on hold in service to our country, and we are glad to be of assistance to them in their time of need.”

Since the partnership began in 2015, The Home Depot Foundation has contributed more than $16 million and countless volunteer hours from Team Depot — The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force — to work alongside community-based Meals on Wheels programs on a wide range of home repair projects, from converting showers and adding grab bars for bathroom accessibility, to repairing railings and constructing wheelchair ramps. 

“With more than nine million veteran homeowners over the age of 55, there is a growing need for critical home repairs and modifications, which have proven positive effects on health and quality of life,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America. “Thanks to The Home Depot Foundation’s increased support, more Meals on Wheels programs are able to help military veterans live more safely and independently in the comfort of their homes. We are so grateful for the Foundation’s long-standing commitment.”

In Chatham County, the Helping Homebound Heroes project is a joint endeavor among various organizations. The construction work is led by Rebuilding Together of the Triangle.

“Rebuilding Together of the Triangle is thrilled to continue this partnership with the Chatham County Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels America and The Home Depot Foundation to serve veterans in need here in our community,” RTT Executive Director Dan Sargent said. “The chance to give back in small but meaningful ways to those who have given all of us so much is so incredible, and we love being able to do this as a whole community.”

To learn more about the Helping Homebound Heroes project and to apply for assistance, contact Wynne Fields, COA Aging In Place Specialist, at 919-542-4512 or wynne.fields@chathamcountync.gov, Michael Daniels, Chatham County Veterans Service Officer at 919-545-8334 or michael.daniels@chathamcountync.gov or Rebuilding Together of the Triangle at 919-341-5980.

For more information about the Council on Aging, visit www.chathamcoa.org.