BACKGROUND:
The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $475M in veteran causes and improved more than 55,000 veteran homes and facilities. The Foundation has pledged to invest half of a billion dollars in veteran causes by 2025 and $50 million in training the next generation of skilled tradespeople through the Path to Pro program. 365 Connect is a 501c3 whose mission is to connect corporations and donors with nonprofit organizations. They work closely with the Home Depot Foundation to find projects that are a fit for the Foundation to sponsor and support. After reaching out to Communications/Events based on a news release published about the Veterans Village grand opening, the Communications & Events Manager put them in contact with Veterans Village and The Salvation Army to see if there was a fit.
They informed The Salvation Army and Veterans Village are “Co-Recipients” as the property/location to host the Home Depot Coachella Valley event on October 24, 2023, for the $200K Home Deport 365 Foundation “Beautification Grant.” DISCUSSION:
On Oct. 24, 2023, precisely 410 volunteers and 30 crew leaders from all over the nation will represent The Home Depot Foundation to provide property upgrades and fixes to Veterans Village and The Salvation Army property.
Here is just a sample of the work they will do for Veterans Village and The Salvation Army:
•Painting of interior walls in most of our building (excluding the chapel), •Flooring
•Upgrading the look of Mr. Willard’s Closet with a “Café atmosphere on the outside, installing shading, water misters, carport and storage for EDS and Bus. •In addition, they will build benches and tables around the courtyard. •New landscaping
365 Connect, The Salvation Army and Veterans Village have been working alongside the City’s Planning Department to secure any necessary permits prior to the October 24 volunteer event. Communications/Events sees this project as a tremendous opportunity to promote and tell the story of the Coachella Valley’s love and community service/assistance to veterans and their families.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Home Depot Foundation’s “Beautification Grant” has a value of $200,000. These improvements will help enhance the experience for residents of Veterans Village and frequent users of The Salvation Army venue.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Action F-6: Promote additional community events and celebrations.