Injured Veterans Recover and Rebuild Their Lives with Homes For Our Troops

In a new alliance with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), Budget Blinds® is helping to build specially-adapted homes for severely wounded veterans. These homes are new construction, mortgage-free homes to allow veterans to live more independently as they recover from  debilitating loss of limbs and other injuries.

Homes for Our Troops began in 2004 and has become the driving force in getting the most severely wounded post-9/11 veterans and their families into homes that facilitate day-to-day activity, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives. Privately funded, HFOT depends on partners like Budget Blinds to contribute products and donations so each house is free to the veteran and uniquely equipped to meet their needs.

Budget Blinds and long-time vendor partner, Springs Window Fashions, have committed to providing window coverings for 120 homes over the next three years.  Our first 11 homes are part of HFOT’s 2014 Home for the Holidays campaign, getting as many families as possible into their new homes in time for Christmas!

Meet Army Sgt Matthew DeWitt

Sgt Matthew DeWitt served 6-1/2 years before his first deployment to Afghanistan in 2003. During a takedown of a suspected enemy’s house, he and his Battalion came under heavy fire and his weapon was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). Sgt DeWitt lost both his arms below the elbow and received burns that required extensive skin grafts on his face, arms and legs.

He and his family are excited and grateful for a safe and secure home that allows him to pursue life more on his own terms. Some of the features are keyless entry, raised countertops, touchless faucets, easy-care faux wood blinds, and raised garden beds so he can pursue his gardening hobby (which he hopes to turn into a business one day).  “Having a house that is built around my needs so I can have an easier time doing day-to-day things will help ease some of the stress and frustration that comes from having a severe disability for me and my family.”

His passions include cycling, hunting and spending time with his family. He is currently in training to compete on the Paralympic cycling team. Click here to “meet” Sgt DeWitt and hear his story in his own words.

Our Franchisees Rise to the Occasion 

As a nation-wide organization, HFOT builds homes all across the country, accommodating the different parts of the country where the veterans live. Budget Blinds is also nation-wide, with franchisees all across the U.S. and they are the “feet on the ground” that bring this partnership with HFOT to life. For each home, a local franchise owner donates time and expertise measuring and installing faux wood blinds throughout the house. It’s a very personal way to say thank you to the veteran for his service and sacrifice.

Dianna Desaulniers, the franchise owner of Budget Blinds Serving Portsmouth, participated in building the home for Sgt DeWitt. She shares, “Budget Blinds of Portsmouth was honored and excited to help out with the Homes For Our Troops program.  We are looking forward to meeting Sgt DeWitt and his family at the dedication ceremony this weekend.  Our part was such a small token of a much larger appreciation for his service and sacrifices.”

Sgt DeWitt received the keys to his new home on November 8 and Matt McGuire, HFOT Corporate Partnership, was there:  “I just returned from Sgt Matt DeWitt’s Key Ceremony in New Hampshire and wanted to tell you how impressed everyone was with the blinds and our partnership. We received many kudos from the attendees, HFOT staff, HFOT board members and the Dewitt’s themselves for partnering with Budget Blinds.”

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds were chosen for the homes because they are very versatile and appropriate for any area of the country. They give an elegant look that is universally stylish and functional.

  • They provide insulation and energy efficiency.
  •  They offer light and privacy control.
  • Their classic look is compatible with any décor.
  • They can be enhanced with additional window treatments like valances or drapery.
  • They can equally withstand dry or wet climates as they are moisture resistant.
  • Faux wood blinds are easy to operate and beautiful for years to come.
  • They can be motorized providing one-touch control and cordless for child safety.

We are excited about helping to get these families settled into their new homes for Christmas and proud to support our veterans in this way. Chad Hallock, CEO and co-founder of Budget Blinds says, “We share a strong commitment to supporting veterans who have served our country. Many of our founders have personal connections to the U.S. Armed Forces as do a number of our franchisees across the country. It is our hope that the synergies between Budget blinds and Homes For Our Troops will continue to honor returning soldiers for years to come.”

To date, HFOT has placed 169 families into homes in 38 states, with 52 current projects underway. Visit their website to learn more about how you can get involved.

Budget Blinds can assist you with beautifying your home with blinds, shuttersshades, drapery and more. Call (866) 879-9730 today to schedule a free, in-home consultation or go online at www.budgetblinds.com to find a Style Consultant near you.  There’s still time to brighten up and refresh your home before the holidays and take advantage of our Customer Appreciation Sale Event (see details online).

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