Meals on Wheels America announces that The Home Depot Foundation has committed $2.53 million to support the 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. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is a recipient of this grant.
“We are excited to be a recipient of this generous grant,” said Caitlin Sly, MOW Diablo Region Executive Director. “It will make a profound impact on our veteran neighbors, whose courageous service to our nation and people deserves our respect and gratitude. It is truly an honor to help them live safely in their homes.”
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, of 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."
Meals on Wheels America is now entering its ninth year of the Helping Homebound Heroes program and has served more than 2,000 veterans, with a continued goal to serve even more aging veterans nationwide. The Helping Homebound Heroes program is funded by The Home Depot Foundation as part of its mission to improve the homes and lives of our nation’s veterans.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS DIABLO REGION
Since 1968, MOW Diablo Region has been providing lifesaving services to seniors. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has addressed the challenges of aging by promoting health and improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable seniors. Last year, the organization delivered 693,815 meals, made 12,674 Friendly Calls, delivered 5,057 Grocery Bags, made 973 Friendly Visits, served 529 Breakfast Bag clients, helped 463 seniors with errands, modified 306 homes, and made 98 elder abuse interventions.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. Powered by a dedicated volunteer workforce, this network delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org. Press Contact: press@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
ABOUT THE HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION
The Home Depot Foundation, the nonprofit arm of The Home Depot (NYSE: HD), works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, support communities impacted by natural disasters and train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap. Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $475 million in veteran causes and improved more than 55,000 veteran homes and facilities. The Foundation has pledged to invest half of a billion dollars in veteran causes by 2025 and $50 million in training the next generation of skilled tradespeople through the Path to Pro program. To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation visit HomeDepotFoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @HomeDepotFound and on Facebook and Instagram @HomeDepotFoundation.