A Home Renovation for the Kelley Family
At House Proud, our mission is to ensure that Atlanta’s most vulnerable homeowners—particularly seniors and veterans—are able to stay in their homes, safe and secure. This year, we had the privilege of supporting a special project that not only provided crucial repairs but also honored the legacy of a remarkable woman. The Kelley family, an aging military family in Atlanta, was the recipient of this transformative work, and their story underscores why our work is so vital in communities across the city.
The Kelley’s Situation: A Family’s Need for Help
The Kelley family’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the challenges of aging. For over 30 years, the Kelleys have lived in their beloved Atlanta home, where they raised their children and created a lifetime of memories. This home has been the heart of their family, but as time passed, the home itself began to show signs of wear and tear, especially after years of caring for the family matriarch, who had passed away. Mrs. Kelley’s dream was to ensure that her father, a proud veteran, could live comfortably in their home for the remainder of his life. Unfortunately, as they faced mounting maintenance issues, it became clear that they could not afford the necessary repairs without external help.
As a family with limited income, their situation became increasingly difficult. Like many aging homeowners, the Kelleys found themselves caught in a cycle of deferred repairs and a growing list of needs that threatened their ability to stay in their home. From deteriorating flooring to other issues, the Kelleys’ home was in desperate need of repairs that they could not afford.
How House Proud Helped: Making a Dream a Reality
When House Proud was approached with the Kelley family’s situation, we knew this was an opportunity to make a real difference. Our team of skilled contractors and volunteers worked tirelessly to provide no-cost repairs that would make the Kelleys’ home livable again.
The first step in the renovation was addressing the most urgent repairs. The home needed structural work to ensure that it was safe and secure for the veteran, who had served our country with honor. Our team began by fixing the drywall and deteriorating flooring. We then focused on improving the safety and accessibility of the home, installing grab bars in the bathroom, hot water heater, and replacing an old, inefficient heating unit.
But the work didn’t stop there. In keeping with the family’s wish to honor their matriarch’s memory, House Proud helped create a welcoming and functional living space that could continue to support the family for years to come. This included completing minor electrical repairs and improving the home’s overall energy efficiency, helping the family save on utility costs in the future.
Why Supporting Legacy Neighbors and Veterans is Important in Atlanta
The work House Proud does for legacy neighbors, especially veterans like the Kelleys, is crucial to maintaining the vibrant, diverse communities of Atlanta. Many of the people we serve have spent their entire lives contributing to their neighborhoods. They are not just homeowners—they are the pillars that have helped shape the Atlanta we know today. As these residents age, the need for home repairs becomes more urgent. Without the proper support, these long-time residents risk being displaced, unable to afford the critical repairs necessary to keep their homes safe.
Veterans, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to homeownership. Many veterans return from service with physical and emotional scars, and their ability to maintain a home is often compromised. Supporting veterans by ensuring they can remain in their homes is not just a way to give back—it’s a way to honor their service and sacrifice. It’s our way of ensuring that those who’ve served us in the past can continue to enjoy the stability and peace of mind they deserve.
Grateful for Partners
We are incredibly grateful for the long-standing partnership with The Home Depot Foundation, whose generous support has been essential in making projects like the Kelley family’s renovation possible. For years, the Home Depot Foundation has worked alongside House Proud, providing financial resources, volunteer support, and expertise. Their commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities aligns perfectly with our mission. Additionally, this project received support from the Reinhart Foundation.
Thanks to their support, House Proud has been able to reach more homeowners in need and extend our impact. Volunteers from the Home Depot Foundation have participated in repair days, contributing their time and skills to improve the homes of seniors, veterans, and disabled residents. Together, we’ve transformed countless homes, allowing families to age in place and live with dignity.
How You Can Support House Proud’s Work
The work we do at House Proud is made possible by the generous support of individuals, corporate partners, and volunteers. If you want to help us continue our mission, here are three ways you can get involved:
- Volunteer: Whether you’re a skilled contractor or someone who wants to lend a hand, volunteering with House Proud is a rewarding experience. Join us for a volunteer day and directly impact a senior or veteran’s home.
- Donate: Your tax-deductible donation helps fund the critical home repairs we provide. Every dollar goes toward helping families like the Kelleys stay in their homes.
- Become a Corporate Sponsor: Corporate sponsors like the Home Depot Foundation are vital to our success. If you represent a company, consider joining us as a sponsor to make a larger impact on the communities we serve.
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Atlanta and Birmingham’s most vulnerable homeowners. Thank you for supporting House Proud and helping us keep our neighbors warm, safe, and dry. Let’s continue this important work, together.
