Are you or do you know a disabled veteran? Here is some help.

Project H.E.R.O.
Helping Disabled Veterans Live with Greater Freedom

Liberty. Independence. Freedom. The American military is called upon time and again to fight for these ideals. But when the weapons are silenced and the smoke clears, sadly, many of these same veterans go home to limitations and challenges. Why? Because these valiant warriors, who answered our nation's call to duty, suffered catastrophic injuries in battle. Many return to civilian life with physical disabilities that effectively turn their homes into fortresses. All of our nation's veterans deserve our gratitude. These veterans also deserve our help.

Many injured veterans own homes that are not accessible to someone with a disability. Living in such an environment can significantly restrict the veteran's mobility and quality of life. In some cases, making a house accessible may be as easy as adding a ramp to the front door or changing the knobs on the kitchen cabinets. In other cases, the obstacles can be more challenging. For a disabled veteran, the key to attaining independence may be an extensive, often expensive, home remodeling project. Unfortunately, some of our nation's veterans cannot afford to make these necessary modifications. That is why we established Project H.E.R.O.

Project H.E.R.O. stands for Homes Eliminated of Restrictions and Obstacles. Project H.E.R.O. is a volunteer-based program founded by the International Code Council Foundation (ICC Foundation) and a coalition of caring and patriotic organizations to help our disabled American veterans. Project H.E.R.O. combines the expertise of building safety officials, design professionals, contractors, veterans' service organizations and others within a community for a worthy cause- independence for disabled veterans. Project H.E.R.O. volunteers help make a difference. Each local program forms a team of experts, selects a recipient, analyzes the veteran's specific needs, plans an accessible design and implements home improvements—all with the work of volunteers. By making the disabled veteran's home accessible, the team strives to increase independence, improve personal mobility and make it easier for the veteran to accomplish everyday tasks.

Our nation's disabled veterans answered the call to duty, served proudly and sacrificed greatly. It is only right that we help to provide them with freedom when they fought to protect ours. The ICC Foundation is looking for patriotic individuals and caring communities to support this new program. Every county, city and village has the ability to mobilize a Project H.E.R.O. team. Help give freedom back to our disabled veterans. Volunteer today!

Team leaders, volunteers, donation organizers and financial contributors are all needed. To find out how you can become part of Project H.E.R.O. or to establish a Project H.E.R.O. team in your community, click here for more information about becoming a Volunteer or Sponsor.


http://www.icc-foundation.org/news/HERO/index.html

"Many injured veterans own homes that are not accessible to someone with a disability," said General Clark. "For a disabled veteran, the key to attaining independence may be an extensive, often expensive, home remodeling project. Unfortunately, some of our nation's veterans cannot afford to make these necessary modifications. That's where Project H.E.R.O. and its volunteers can help."

Mr. Bowling has diabetes and must use a motorized scooter to maneuver through his home. His house does not have an accessible entrance and his bedroom and bathroom are on the second floor - limiting his ability to access 50 percent of his home. The Project H.E.R.O. plans for Mr. Bowling's home include an addition with an accessible entrance, a bedroom and bathroom. It is valued at $75,000-$80,000.

"I'm so grateful, it's unreal," said Mr. Bowling. "I was thinking I would have to sell my house, but now I won't have to do that. Everyone with Project H.E.R.O. has been wonderful."


http://www.icc-foundation.org/news/NR032106Project-HERO.html