VOALA PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

The partnership between The Home Depot and Volunteers of America continues with more support for Veterans.  They have pledged to put their foundation grant dollars, volunteer hours and product donations in to addressing the housing needs of military Veterans to ensure that every Veteran has a safe place to call home.

NEXT UP Team Depot is planning a renovation of the Veterans garden, computer lab, workout area and lounge at Ballington Plaza, our housing facility downtown. The residents and case managers are thrilled, "Our senior Veterans spend a lot of time in the garden." Cass Rush from our VS-65 program said, "The five new wheelchair accessible raised beds means that we can grow more fresh healthy vegetables, and even more Veterans will be able to participate in the healing and therapeutic activity."

October 2012 More than 50 "Women In Leadership” volunteers from The Home Depot refurbished outdoor living spaces and landscaping at two Volunteers of America facilities: Hansen House which was designed for female veterans with children who are risk of homelessness, and SHAWL House, where doors are open to women veterans struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, plus other issues unique to women in the military that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Volunteers created a wonderful sanctuary for healing and restoration. They also built a children’s play area, installed fencing and planted trees and flowers throughout both properties. The Home Depot Foundation has donated the materials, outdorr furniture and the volunteers as part of their Celebration of Service.

June 2012 The Home Depot Foundation announces a $100,000 grant to provide transitional housing and support services for female Veterans and their children escaping economic and psychological difficulties at our SHAWL program in Harbor City.  SHAWL is one of the new VOALA programs that focus on the unique needs of female Veterans and Veteran families as they return to civilian life by offering a continuum of support through housing, employment, and health services.

July 2011 Volunteers decked out in orange aprons, t-shirts and caps descend upon Skid Row.  Led by Home Depot Western Division President Joe McFarland, Team Depot will makeover the entryway, courtyard and other outdoor areas at T-House, our landmark homeless center that provides transitional housing and support services to homeless Veterans. The goal is to create a space where residents can enjoy the benefits of the outdoors away from the frenzy of the streets as they work to become self-sufficient members of the community.   Capacity and functionality increases with the addition of an outdoor meeting area, storage sheds, a recycling area, and new tables and chairs.  Team Depot spares no expense as more than 50 volunteers build, clean, paint and plant for 8 hours.

  

April 2011 The Home Depot Foundation awarded $100,000 to VOALA North Hollywood Apartments to rehabilitate Veteran's housing units for formerly homeless Veterans and Veterans with families, many of whom are coming out of VOALA programs downtown with their education complete, a job, and a savings account. The units are distributed through 42 separate buildings in a garden apartment setting.  Priority for residency is now reserved for veterans and their families.  The units were built in 1950 and can benefit from significant makeover, including green building and landscaping.

They also awarded VOALA a $50,000 challenge grant for renovation of one model unit and landscaping at VOALA Navy Village for female Veterans and Veterans with children. The target population will be women Veterans and their families who are considered homeless because of housing instability as a result of barriers to employment.  Additionally it is expected that a number of these women will be suffering from PTSD and severe depression as a result of military sexual trauma and traumatic brain injury.

“This partnership is a perfect example of how the community can come together to make sure Veterans and their families are able to live healthy and productive lives.” says VOALA president Bob Pratt. 

To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation and their pledge click here