FOR VETERANS DAY, MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA AND THE HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION CELEBRATE 4,000 HOMES MADE SAFER FOR SENIOR VETERANS

Core Insights - The Home Depot Foundation and Meals on Wheels America have reached a significant milestone by repairing and modifying 4,000 homes for senior veterans through their partnership since 2015, with over $21 million invested in the Helping Homebound Heroes program [2][5]. Group 1: Partnership Impact - The partnership aims to make homes safer and more accessible for senior veterans, allowing them to age in place, which is the preferred choice for many seniors according to AARP research [2]. - The Home Depot Foundation has contributed significantly to bridging the gap between federal funding and private philanthropy, which is crucial for supporting the needs of the growing senior population [5]. - Meals on Wheels America serves nearly 360,000 veterans annually, with many programs offering home repair and modification services, supported by The Home Depot Foundation [5]. Group 2: Case Study - A specific case highlighted is that of veteran Juan Lopez, whose home in Austin, Texas, received nearly $40,000 worth of repairs and modifications after an ice storm damaged his roof, showcasing the direct impact of the program [4]. Group 3: Broader Context - The Meals on Wheels network addresses not only hunger but also isolation among seniors, with about 43% of older veterans experiencing isolation, making the program effective in combating this issue [5]. - The Home Depot Foundation has pledged to invest $750 million in veteran causes by 2030 and $50 million in training skilled tradespeople by 2028, indicating a long-term commitment to supporting veterans [9].