September 2013 On a hot September day, over 50 Volunteers from The Home Depot came to the Haviland House shelter in San Pedro. By the end of the day they had replaced damaged stairs, fixed and replaced fencing, planted flowerbeds, improved storage and created a seating area. All of this hard work will benefit female veterans at this transitional housing facility and make a difference to them for years to come.
October 2012 More than 50 “Women In Leadership” volunteers from The Home Depot refurbished outdoor living spaces and landscaping at two VOALA facilities, Hansen House and SHAWL House. Hanson House is designed for female veterans with children who are at risk of homelessness. SHAWL House is open to female veterans struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, plus other issues unique to women in the military which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Volunteers created a wonderful sanctuary for healing by planting trees and flowers, building a children’s play area, and installing fencing. The Home Depot Foundation donated the materials, outdoor furniture, and the volunteers’ time as part of their Celebration of Service.
June 2012 The Home Depot Foundation announced a $100,000 grant to our SHAWL program in Harbor City. This facility provides transitional housing and support services for female veterans and their children escaping economic and psychological difficulties. SHAWL is one of our new programs which focuses on the unique needs of female veterans and veterans with families returning to civilian life, by offering a continuum of support through housing, employment, and health services.
July 2011 Volunteers decked out in orange aprons, t-shirts and caps descended upon Skid Row. Led by Home Depot Western Division President Joe McFarland, Team Depot made over the entryway, courtyard, and other outdoor areas at T-House, our landmark homeless center which provides transitional housing and support services to homeless veterans. The goal was to create a space where residents can enjoy the benefits of the outdoors away from the frenzy of the streets as they work to become self-sufficient members of the community. Capacity and functionality increased with the addition of an outdoor meeting area, storage sheds, a recycling area, and improved seating. Team Depot spared no expense as more than 50 volunteers worked for eight hours.
April 2011 The Home Depot Foundation awarded $100,000 to VOALA North Hollywood Apartments to rehabilitate housing units for formerly homeless veterans and veterans with families. Many are coming out of VOALA programs downtown with their education complete, a job, and a savings account. The units are spread across 42 separate buildings in a garden apartment setting. Priority is given to veterans and their families. The units were originally built in 1950 and benefited significantly from the makeover, including green building and landscaping.
The Home Depot Foundation also awarded VOALA a $50,000 challenge grant for the renovation and landscaping of one model unit at VOALA Blue Butterfly Village in San Pedro, California. The target population is female veterans and their families who are considered homeless because of housing instability due to barriers to employment. It is expected that a number of these women will be suffering from PTSD and severe depression as a result of military sexual trauma and traumatic brain injury.
“This partnership is a perfect example of how the community can come together to make sure veterans and their families are able to live healthy, productive lives,” said VOALA president Bob Pratt.
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