Home for the Holidays!

The Home Depot Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Rehabilitate Home for Local Vietnam Veteran

The Home Depot Foundation and Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area will partner on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 to provide a local San Bernardino veteran and his family with home repairs and modifications, just in time for the Holidays!

Daniel Equihua is a disabled Vietnam veteran and is in need of major home repairs to get access inside his home, bathroom, and kitchen. Daniel suffered from a severe stroke, which left him in the Intensive Care Unit for 3 months. While in a coma, doctors did not believe he would survive his ordeal. Currently, Daniel visits the VA Hospital for therapy: 2 days for speech therapy and 3 days for physical therapy.

Daniel and Rose Equihua  

Daniel Equihua served in the Army from 1965-1967 during the Vietnam War. Daniel and his wife, Rose, recently celebrated their 39^th wedding anniversary on November 10. They have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren, who also live in their home. 

“I am looking forward to getting back to a normal life. The stroke has been very hard on me and my family. We didn’t think I was going to make it, but I am here and fighting!” Daniel stated enthusiastically. “Thank you for making me feel better. We want to be together in our home and it will be nice to decorate for Christmas with my grandchildren!”

More than 20 Home Depot employees will work alongside Habitat for Humanity to rehabilitate the home. Repairs and modifications will be made in the kitchen, living room, bathroom and the exterior of the home.

"We are excited to partner with The Home Depot Foundation and engage them in our work to help veterans and families in need," said Rhea Stumm, Communications Manager at Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area. “We want to thank The Home Depot Foundation and Home Depot volunteers for their service and dedication to local veterans.”

Not only is The Home Depot contributing countless volunteer hours to this project, but The Home Depot Foundation has also sponsored this project through a generous gift of $17,000. The rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in 1 week.

“On behalf of The Home Depot Foundation, we look forward to working with Daniel Equihua and Habitat for Humanity” said Steven Klein, Team Depot District Captain. “Daniel served and protected our county, and we are honored to help him repair his home in ways he needs to fully recover from the stroke. We can see the fight in him, the perseverance to fully recover.”

A Board Cutting Ceremony (project kick-off event) will take place at 8:30am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Construction will commence at 9:00am and will continue through the day until approximately 3:00pm. 

Pictures to come!