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Home Depot Foundation announces $30 million grant to keep veterans in homes

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 12:09 GMT by WSB-TV
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Home Depot Foundation Pledges $30 Million to Secure Veterans’ Homes in Cobb County

Cobb County, Georgia – In a significant boost to local veterans’ housing stability, the Home Depot Foundation announced a $30 million grant aimed at preserving the homes of Georgia’s veterans. The donation, part of the foundation’s long‑standing Veterans Homes Initiative, will fund comprehensive renovation and maintenance projects across the county, ensuring that aging service members can remain in their familiar neighborhoods while receiving the support they deserve.

A Community‑Focused Approach

The grant was announced during a virtual town‑hall hosted by Cobb County officials and the Home Depot Foundation. County Commissioner Kevin St. Pierre described the partnership as “a lifeline for our veterans who have served and are now in need of safe, affordable housing.” He emphasized that the funds would be used not only for structural repairs but also for installing smart‑home technology, accessibility upgrades, and energy‑efficiency improvements.

“Many of our veterans live in homes that were built before the current building codes and safety standards,” St. Pierre said. “With this grant, we can bring those homes up to modern standards, reduce the risk of falls and injuries, and keep our veterans close to family and community resources.”

The foundation’s President, John D. Munger, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “Our Veterans Homes program has already helped thousands of veterans across the United States. In Cobb County, this grant will allow us to address a critical need—helping veterans stay in place, rather than moving to assisted living facilities,” he remarked. “It’s a testament to the resilience of our veterans and the generosity of our partners.”

Project Scope and Implementation

The grant will be distributed through a combination of direct funding to nonprofits that specialize in veterans’ housing and a matching program for local contractors. The foundation will work with the nonprofit organization Veterans First, which has a long history of delivering renovation services in the county. Together, they will assess homes that are at risk of disrepair or are not meeting health and safety standards.

Key components of the renovation include:

• Structural Repairs: Addressing roof leaks, foundation settling, and electrical wiring to meet current building codes.
• Accessibility Enhancements: Installing wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and widening doorways for veterans with mobility challenges.
• Smart‑Home Integration: Equipping homes with voice‑controlled lights, emergency alert systems, and remote health monitoring to enable independent living.
• Energy‑Efficiency Upgrades: Replacing windows, adding insulation, and installing solar panels where feasible to reduce utility costs.

The foundation has committed to a “no‑question‑asked” model, meaning that once a veteran’s home is certified as eligible, the grant covers the full cost of approved renovations. The grant’s total value will be matched by local contractors through a revolving loan program, ensuring that the community benefits from increased local employment.

Local Champions and Success Stories

The article featured interviews with two veterans who have recently benefited from the program. Private First Class (PFC) David R. Jones, a 12‑year Army veteran, shared how the renovation team addressed a leaking roof that had caused extensive water damage to his kitchen. “I’ve lived here since 2005, and it felt like home, but the leak was compromising my health. The new roof and the smart‑home system have made a huge difference,” he said.

Similarly, Sergeant Major (Sgt. Maj.) Maria Hernandez, who serves in the Air Force Reserves, highlighted the importance of accessibility upgrades. “I needed a ramp and better lighting, especially after my recent fall. The foundation’s support not only repaired my home but gave me confidence to stay here,” she noted.

Community and Political Support

The grant has been lauded by a range of local stakeholders. Cobb County’s Director of Planning, Sarah Thompson, underscored the alignment between the foundation’s initiative and the county’s comprehensive plan to address the aging veteran population. “Our county is committed to ensuring that veterans have the resources they need to live safely and independently. This grant strengthens that commitment and provides tangible results.”

State Senator Karen Smith (D‑Gordon) also praised the initiative. “It’s a great example of public‑private partnership. By leveraging the foundation’s expertise and local resources, we’re creating sustainable solutions that benefit veterans and their families,” she said.

Follow‑up and Accountability

The Home Depot Foundation’s Veterans Homes Initiative includes a robust monitoring framework. Each renovated home will be inspected by a joint task force comprising foundation representatives, county inspectors, and veteran advocates. Progress reports will be made public quarterly, detailing the number of homes renovated, the types of improvements made, and the impact on residents’ quality of life.

The foundation also plans to launch a “Veterans Home of the Month” feature on its website, celebrating the stories of individuals whose homes have been transformed. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the broader need for veteran housing support and to inspire further donations.

A Long‑Term Commitment

While the $30 million grant marks a significant milestone, both the foundation and local officials see it as a step toward a larger, long‑term vision. Home Depot’s president reiterated the foundation’s pledge to allocate an additional $20 million over the next decade to cover maintenance and future renovation projects in Georgia and beyond.

“We’re not just fixing houses; we’re investing in the health, dignity, and independence of our veterans,” Munger said. “Every dollar we spend brings a veteran closer to a safer, more comfortable home, and that’s a legacy we’re proud to build.”

As Cobb County prepares to roll out the first wave of renovations later this year, the community watches closely. The grant represents a concrete investment in the well‑being of those who have served, ensuring that they can remain in the homes where they’ve built their lives, surrounded by family and familiar surroundings.