from our printed MAY 2020 edition
by John C. Irish
Boston Broadside
NH PGR RC
So what would you do if you heard of someone coming back from the war and in need of special, adaptive housing? Would you be like most people and expect someone else to take care of him?
Well, in 2003 a Raynham, Mass. contractor came up with a novel idea: Why not get a bunch of construction contacts together and design and build a home for that disabled veteran and his family at no cost to the veteran!
Now, 17 years later, that single, selfless action has grown into Homes For Our Troops, with more than 290 adaptive homes built in 42 states!
“Even more than just helping the veteran, we help his entire family. The veteran can care for himself in his own home … the family no longer has to worry about the veteran getting injured while attempting tasks we all take for granted, such as getting a coffee cup off the shelf.” Not my words, but those of Bill Ivey, Chris Mitchell, and Kathleen DeVito, the leadership behind Homes For Our Troops.
Based in Taunton, Mass., HFOT has become recognized as one of the best charities to donate to or work with. Chris mentioned, “We are rated 4 Stars (the top) by Charity Navigator and have an A Rating by Charity Watch, two of the main charity rating organizations.” Meaning that nearly 90% of every dollar spent goes directly to building the homes and lifelong assistance to the veterans. As Bill mentioned, the association between the veterans and HFOT doesn’t end when the key to the front door turns … that is just part of the beginning.
These folks don’t just “talk the talk,” but every day they “walk the walk. They live by two distinct mottos.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill,
And their Mission:
To build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.
To find out how you can help veterans in need of a hand, go to www.hfotusa.org/mission/faq, or you are welcome to call them and talk to Chris, Bill, or Kathleen in person at 508-823-3300.
In the next issue of the Boston Broadside: how a national company took a local project and created an annual event recognized around the country. ♦
