STORAGE GIVES SUPPORTING SERVICEPERSONS
StorageGives Funds Homes For Our Troops By Alonna Rodd, Business Development Manager of StorageAuctions.com
H
ow do you possibly say “thank you” to the men and women who have sustained some of the most severe injuries imaginable to protect and defend our way of life? These courageous warriors have sacrificed so much for our country, and it’s time that we show our appreciation by doing our part to help them rebuild their lives. That’s what Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is all about, and that’s why StorageGives has added HFOT to its list of global charity organizations.
The Force Behind StorageGives Lonnie Bickford, the force behind StorageGives, knows that veterans have a special place in the hearts of Americans. He wanted to be sure that veterans were a big part of the StorageGives mission to give back. After careful consideration, HFOT was added to the StorageGives causes because of the enormous positive impact they have on the lives of injured veterans and their families. At Homes For Our Troops, nearly 90 cents out of every dollar donated goes directly to the veterans’ programs. HFOT has a goal of building a specially adapted home for every veteran who qualifies for one of these homes. Homes For Our Troops is a publicly funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
SECOND QUARTER 2022
that builds and donates adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. Many of these veterans have sustained unimaginable injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), limb amputations, and partial or full paralysis. These homes are built in locations that veterans choose, and HFOT continues its relationship with veterans in order to help them rebuild their lives. Because of the generosity of donors like StorageGives, HFOT enables injured veterans, as well as their caregivers, to rest and recover without the added stress of financial concerns. These custom homes are equipped with over 40 special adaptations that exceed ADA compliance standards. Wider halls and doorways, as well as automatic door openers, enable complete wheelchair access and hands-free accessibility when entering or exiting the home. A therapy tub eases the pain of severe injuries, and a safe room provides a place for the family to shelter from severe weather and natural disasters. For almost two decades, HFOT has been building adapted homes for injured veterans, continually updating building materials and methods to ensure high quality. Roll under sinks, pull-down stovetops and counters, generators, and safe rooms are designed to
help veterans live fulfilling, independent lives. The 2,800-square-foot homes are the perfect size for a veteran to comfortably raise a family, and energy efficiency reins in the utility costs while keeping the homes safe and cozy.
Adapted Homes Once they receive their home, over 95 percent of veterans see a reduction in household stress. They now have the time to pursue their long-overdue education or career plans. The number of veterans who have obtained or are pursuing a degree or trade certification increased from 15 to 71 percent, and the number of spouses/caregivers is even greater, growing from 14 to 80 percent. Peace of mind fostered by eliminating safety concerns has empowered over 99.5 percent of recipients to return to the workforce, and the employment rate of spouses/caregivers has increased by over 285 percent. Moving into a donated home enables veterans and their families to plan and save for the future. To ensure long-term success, HFOT provides three years of pro-bono financial planning to all home recipients. After receiving their homes, 57 percent increased family income and 55 percent decreased family debt. Family savings were increased by 76 percent. Not only do they attend school and obtain employment, but they
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