Veteran Story: Wendel Hill

On September 17, 2025, Purple Heart Homes reached a remarkable milestone. It's 1,000th project completed in partnership with The Home Depot Foundation. This landmark achievement represents more than a number; it symbolizes over a thousand Veterans and families whose lives have been changed through safe, accessible, and dignified housing solutions. 

To honor this moment, Purple Heart Homes and The Home Depot Foundation came together in Villa Rica, Georgia, to celebrate a very special Veteran: U.S. Army Specialist (SP4) Wendel Hill.

A Veteran Who Has Given Much

Born in 1952, SP4 Hill served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1974 during the Vietnam era. As an Equipment Storage Specialist, he played a vital support role that helped sustain military operations and readiness. His service earned him the National Defense Service Medal, recognizing his contribution to our nation during a time of global conflict.

Today, Hill and his family face the daily challenges that come with aging and limited mobility. Navigating his home safely had become increasingly difficult, making routine tasks, like leaving his bedroom or entering and exiting his house, nearly impossible.

A Milestone Project with Life-Changing Impact

To restore accessibility, dignity, and independence for Hill, Purple Heart Homes partnered with The Home Depot Foundation, Team Depot volunteers, and Penney Brothers Construction to complete a series of essential renovations through the Veterans Aging in Place (VAIP) program.

This milestone project included:

• Ramp and deck construction for safe entry and exit
• Doorway widening to allow wheelchair access
• Rebuilding the north wall of the home
• Flooring and plumbing repairs
• Underpinning the house for structural stability
• Landscaping and exterior improvements
• Assembly of patio furniture and a grill, creating a welcoming outdoor space

The impact of this work went far beyond physical repairs. Forty Team Depot volunteers contributed 160 volunteer hours to help bring this project to life, demonstrating the deep commitment Home Depot associates have to serving those who served our nation.

Thanks to these improvements, Hill can now move safely throughout his home. For the first time since 2024, he was able to leave his bedroom without barriers, regaining independence and confidence he had been without for far too long.

A Partnership Rooted in Service

Since 2012, Purple Heart Homes and The Home Depot Foundation have worked side by side to support service-connected disabled Veterans through tailored housing solutions. This project, supported through The Home Depot Foundation's Celebration of Service campaign, highlights more than a decade of collaboration, thousands of volunteers, and millions of dollars invested in improving Veterans' lives.

"Reaching our 1,000th project with The Home Depot Foundation is far more than a milestone; it represents 1,000 Veterans and families whose homes, lives, and futures have been restored," said John Gallina, CEO and co-founder of Purple Heart Homes. "With the unwavering support of The Home Depot Foundation and the hands-on dedication of Team Depot volunteers, we're healing hearts one home at a time."

The Home Depot Foundation has committed to donating $750 million by 2030 to Veteran causes, reflecting the deep connection so many of their associates have to military service.

"Giving back to Veterans is deeply personal to us and rooted in our values," shared Erin Izen, Executive Director of The Home Depot Foundation. "We're honored to serve our nation's heroes alongside Purple Heart Homes."

A Family Renewed, A Mission Reinforced

For Hill and his family of three, the renovations mean safer movement, renewed confidence, and the ability to enjoy their home without fear of injury or limitation. For Purple Heart Homes and The Home Depot Foundation, this project reinforces a shared commitment: ensuring no Veteran is left behind at home.

Every ramp. every repaired doorway, every volunteer hour represents a simple promise, to honor those who served by helping them live safely and independently.

[WAYS TO GIVE]