The national expansion of the Repair Corps program is underway by the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot Foundation®. A joint initiative to remodel and renovate homes across the country for U.S. military veterans and their families, the projects are possible by a $2.7 million donation from The Home Depot Foundation. The expanded Repair Corps Program will provide the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity with additional resources to repair the homes of veterans and their families.
Repair Corps was established last year through a pilot program to provide needed home repairs for veterans, including insulation, weather stripping and accessibility features, such as wheelchair ramps and wider doorways. Larger repairs such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and structural improvements were also available. Partnering families agreed to repay a zero-interest loan that covers the repair costs, the payments from which are “recycled” into a revolving fund to assist more families in need of decent housing.
The pilot phase of the Repair Corps Program helped many veterans, including Marine LCPL Caleb Getscher. The accessibility renovations on his family’s home in Chaptico were blessed in a dedication ceremony on Aug. 25. Getscher, 21, was severely injured in Afghanistan on June 18, 2011 when he stepped on an IED. He is undergoing medical treatment and extensive rehabilitation at Bethesda Naval Hospital. The Veterans Repair Corps project retrofitted Caleb’s home for Caleb to enjoy mobility without significant limitations. Hours of volunteer labor from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station military personnel, led by Matt Kulp of Galaxy Homes, and many steadfast volunteers completed an addition onto the house to include a bathroom, living space and wheelchair access. The project costs exceeded the grant, but a solicitation from local organizations successfully raised the funds needed. The Semper Fi Fund stepped in with a grant to complete the project.
“Patuxent Habitat for Humanity considers it a privilege for us to partner
with former service men and women and their families who served their country, some at a great price. We are honored to assist Caleb and future veterans in helping to create a safe, decent and affordable home. Our target goal is to complete at least one veteran home a month for the next year. Patuxent Habitat for Humanity is dedicating its participation in the program to Gary Senese of Compton, a Habitat volunteer and former Marine who died last year,” said Pamela Shubert, Patuxent Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.
Patuxent Habitat for Humanity (PHH) can spend up to $15,000 per home on critical home repairs. The affiliate is accepting applications from low to moderate income veterans in St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties to participate in their Veterans Repairs Corps program, as well as
