LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga.– Peach State FCU has teamed up with Purple Heart Homes, Home Depot, several contractors, and a team of volunteers who worked together to complete renovations on the home of a local veteran. It was all part of Purple Heart Homes Operation: Veteran Home Renovation program.
Operation: Veteran Home Renovation was established to raise awareness about the housing challenges faced by older service-connected disabled veterans. Purple Heart Homes partnered with local credit unions to identify older veterans who needed renovations to their home in order to safely age in place.
“We are a grateful nation that proudly supports Veterans who have served our country,” said John Gallina, Purple Heart Homes Co-founder and Executive Director. “We take pride in the role that Peach State Federal Credit Union, its volunteers, the contractors and Home Depot have taken in helping a Vietnam Veteran live with dignity in his home and thank Mr. Hinck for his service to our country.”
Peach State regularly works with Purple Heart homes to help veterans secure financing for mortgages, so participating in this program was a natural extension of those efforts. Because many veterans may live on fixed incomes and have service-connected disabilities, maintenance on their homes can sometimes prove challenging.
Vietnam Veteran Bernard Hinck was nominated for the program by a neighbor. Mr. Hinck was a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force when he sustained back injuries and was honorably discharged. As a result of his service-connected disability, he has limited mobility. Interior and exterior improvements were planned following an evaluation of his needs. Skilled contractors were engaged and volunteers were secured to complete the home improvements, which took place over the course of several weeks.
“Having served during the war in Vietnam, I feel a special connection to Bernie and all veterans. That, along with Peach State’s commitment to the communities within our footprint, is why Peach State participated in Purple Heart Homes Operation: Veteran Home Renovation project,” said Peach State President/CEO, Marshall Boutwell.