The Home Depot Foundation announced that it has surpassed the three-year $30 million pledge it made in 2011 to veterans’ housing initiatives more than a year ahead of schedule. As part of its second annual Celebration of Service campaign, the Foundation is now committing an additional $50 million to veterans’ nonprofits over the next three years in an effort to ensure every veteran has a safe place to call home.
In addition to its funding commitment, The Home Depot Foundation’s Celebration of Service campaign kicks off today with Team Depot associate volunteers repairing and renovating 100 veterans’ homes in 13 cities. Over the next two months, through Veterans Day, thousands of Home Depot associates across the country will complete more than 300 service projects to benefit veterans and their families.

“With more than one million service members transitioning out of the military over the next two years and with almost half of all veterans over the age of 55, we know that many veterans are struggling with housing challenges and that this will continue for the foreseeable future,” said Kelly Caffarelli, president, The Home Depot Foundation. “We pledge to recognize and celebrate the service of all veterans by using our financial and volunteer resources to ensure these brave men and women have safe, comfortable homes.”

Partnerships with more than 1,000 nonprofits in the last 18 months have enabled the Foundation to contribute funding and volunteer resources to repair and refurbish homes and apartment buildings as well as service facilities. More than 5,000 veterans and their families are being served through these efforts.

“Far too many veterans find themselves without a safe place to call home after dedicating years bravely serving our country,” said Caffarelli. “During Celebration of Service, our mission is not only to repair and refurbish the homes of veterans and facilities where they live and receive services, but also to show our appreciation to veterans of every generation for their service and sacrifice.”

Team Depot volunteers will complete a variety of projects including handicapped accessibility modifications; general repairs and renovations; and weatherization and other energy efficient enhancements.