Peach State Federal Credit Union celebrates completion of Purple Heart Homes Operation: Veteran Home Renovation project
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA (November 14, 2016) — Peach State FCU has teamed up with Purple Heart Homes, Home Depot, several contractors, and a team of volunteers who worked together to complete renovations on the home of a local veteran. This was all part of Purple Heart Homes Operation: Veteran Home Renovation program.
Operation: Veteran Home Renovation was established to raise awareness about the housing challenges faced by older service-connected disabled veterans. Purple Heart Homes partnered with local credit unions to identify older veterans who needed renovations to their home in order to safely age in place. “We are a grateful nation that proudly supports Veterans who have served our country,” said John Gallina, Purple Heart Homes Co-founder and Executive Director. “We take pride in the role that Peach State Federal Credit Union, its volunteers, the contractors and Home Depot have taken in helping a Vietnam Veteran live with dignity in his home and thank Mr. Hinck for his service to our country.”
Peach State regularly works with Purple Heart homes to help veterans secure financing for mortgages, so participating in this program was a natural extension of those efforts. Because many veterans may live on fixed incomes and have service-connected disabilities, maintenance on their homes can sometimes prove challenging.
Vietnam Veteran, Bernard Hinck, was nominated for the program by a neighbor. Mr. Hinck was a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force when he sustained back injuries and was honorably discharged. As a result of his service-connected disability, he has limited mobility. Interior and exterior improvements were planned following an evaluation of his needs. Skilled contractors were engaged and volunteers were secured to complete the home improvements, which took place over the course of several weeks.
Contractor, Steve Ball, and his company, Atlanta Intown Renovation, focused on making improvements to the master bathroom so it will be safer for Mr. Hinck. Bob Cooper’s B&D Landscaping spent several days working on the yard, and pressure-washed the driveway and house so the exterior of the home could be repainted. Credit union staff volunteered to assist with general landscaping, and Home Depot provided a team of volunteers to construct a new fence in the backyard.
“Having served during the war in Vietnam, I feel a special connection to Bernie and all veterans. That, along with Peach State’s commitment to the communities within our footprint, is why Peach State participated in Purple Heart Homes Operation: Veteran Home Renovation project,” said Peach State President/CEO, Marshall Boutwell.
The renovations to the bathroom have been a relief to the Hincks. “I don’t have to worry about getting in and out of the shower safely anymore,” said Mr. Hinck. “It’s so much easier.” “We’re so proud of our home now,” added his wife, Lori.
Vietnam Veteran, Bernard Hinck and his wife, Lori, with volunteers from Peach State
About Peach State Federal Credit Union
Peach State is a $752 million credit union that serves more than 72,000 members in Georgia and South Carolina. Operating as a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Peach State’s mission is to provide quality financial services that meet the needs and exceed the expectations of its member-owners. For more information about our products and services, visit www.peachstatefcu.org. The credit union’s passion for helping their members and community continue to grow guided them to create the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation. To learn more about how Peach State cares, visit https://www.peachstatefcu.org/Stories/Peach-State-CARES.
About Purple Heart Homes
Purple Heart Homes is a 501 c3 founded by Dale Beatty and John Gallina, two Iraq combat wounded veterans that remain on a mission to provide housing solutions to service connected disabled veterans and their families. Driven by the belief that no Veteran should be left behind, Purple Heart Homes, together with community, is committed to ensuring quality of life solutions for disabled American Veterans from all eras.
