Home Depot volunteers fix up shelter for homeless veterans

San Jose: Home Depot volunteers fix up shelter for homeless veterans

By Lisa Fernandez
10/12/2011

Dozens of volunteers decked out in orange T-shirts spent their day off Wednesday painting, sanding and even laying down faux wood for a new deck at a San Jose shelter for homeless veterans.

The effort is part of an unprecedented, national campaign in memory of the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, to honor veterans, according to representatives from The Home Depot, its foundation and a nonprofit called The Mission Continues.

From Sept. 11 to Nov. 11 -- Veteran's Day -- Home Depot volunteers will enhance the living facilities of veterans at 200 sites, spending about $9 million during that time on supplies, according to the organizers.

There are about 30,000 homeless veterans in California, according to U.S. Veterans Affairs.
On Wednesday, the apartment units housing about 20 veterans at EHC LifeBuilders Boccardo Regional Reception Center on Little Orchard Street south of downtown were the object of this revitalization.

About 85 Home Depot volunteers painted outside railings, sanded old benches and installed a brand new outdoor patio.

"It's really cool to see these transitions happening," said Wendy Weeks, spokeswoman for The Home Depot Foundation, who added that this project cost $12,500 in materials.
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