Specially-Adapted Homes Give Injured Veterans a New Lease on Life
Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) has been dedicated to building and donating specially-adapted, mortgage free homes to severely injured post 9-11 Veterans. These homes enable the Veterans to focus on rebuilding their lives and rehabilitation for catastrophic injuries suffered in combat like multiple amputations, full or partial paralysis, loss of hearing or sight, traumatic brain injury and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Budget Blinds®, with our long-time manufacturing partner, Springs Window Fashions, became a corporate sponsor in 2014, providing custom window treatments for the homes HFOT builds. To date, HFOT has awarded 255 homes, with approximately 93 in various stages of completion right now. The entire process takes from 24 to 36 months before the Key Ceremony when the house is presented to the Veteran.
Budget Blinds provides the finishing touch
One of the last things before presentation is installation of the window coverings by the local Budget Blinds franchise. Our independent franchise owners have joyfully aligned with the HFOT partnership and donate their time and expertise for professionally measuring and installing custom window blinds. Faux wood blinds from the Budget Blinds’ private label Signature Series® collection were chosen for the homes because of their versatility, durability and classic beauty.
- White 2” faux wood blinds are compatible with any home décor and can be personalized with valances, curtains or drapery panels.
- Moisture-resistant qualities make them adaptable for any area of the county.
- Energy-efficient blinds help to reduce utility costs all year long and provide light and privacy control.
- Blinds are easy to operate and provide worry-free functionality with pull cords at a length to accommodate Veterans in their wheelchairs.
- Motorized blinds in the master bath with one-touch remote control eliminate the risk of reaching across the tub to adjust the blinds.
Budget Blinds is privileged to participate with HFOT’s mission of providing these life-changing homes, giving day-to-day comfort and convenience by restoring freedom and independence these Veterans lost in service to our country.
Meet Marine Corporal Luke McDermott
In 2010, on his second deployment in Afghanistan, CPL Luke McDermott was on security patrol when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated under his vehicle. He immediately lost his right leg due to the injuries and, months later, doctors amputated his left leg due to the chronic pain and to aid in his long-term recovery.
It was six months before he could walk again, but today he’s at the top of his game. A member of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, in March this year they brought home the gold from the Paralympics in PyeongChang. He also enjoys boating, handcycling, traveling with the Hockey team and a nonprofit volunteer organization that works overseas. He aspires going to Columbia law school for a dual degree in law and international relations.
He and fiancée, Krista, look forward to the specially-adapted HFOT home as a comfortable and safe environment to live and raise a family. The financial freedom of a mortgage free home will enable CPL McDermott to focus on his education and create more opportunity for involvement with humanitarian relief efforts. The open floorplan and wider doorways will allow access to every part of the house, including a home gym he’s planning. Day-to-day life will be easier: “You can roll under the cook countertops, reach spices and everything you need; you can easily do dishes … simple things, like waking up and going to brush your teeth in the morning. I know several Veterans who have received a home through HFOT and each one agrees that it has made an incredible impact on their lives. I know it will undoubtedly do the same for me. It’s literally life-changing.” he says.
Jeff and Brandy Lucas, franchise owners of Budget Blinds Serving Watertown, provided the measuring and installation services for CPL McDermott’s home in Clayton, NY, including the additional safety of feature of special motorized blinds in the master bath. This is their second HFOT home and they welcomed the opportunity to again give back to a deserving Veteran with a tangible thank you.
See and hear CPL McDermott share his story by clicking here.
Meet Army Staff Sergeant Joshua Hall
SSG Joshua Hall had enlisted in the Army after graduating high school, in response to 9/11 events. On his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, he was on patrol to assess damage after a six-hour firefight. Going over a wall, he belatedly saw the IED pressure plate and tried to miss it, but his left heel caught it and he was thrown into the air. He had to be resuscitated three times on the helicopter ride to safety and medical help. In a coma, he woke up two weeks later at Walter Reed where he was in ICU for a month. He suffered loss of his left leg, severe injuries to his right leg, a broken pelvis and a fractured neck and back which continue to provoke pain and mobility issues.
He’s excited about the HFOT home that will allow him to fully and safely care for his baby son, Liam. A specially-adapted home will alleviate current problems of using his wheelchair, provide a peaceful environment to relieve stress, and allow him freedom to focus on his career and rehabilitation. He started a company, Last Leg Tactical, specializing in equipment for people with physical limitations. Next steps: working with medics in setting up training events for dealing with blast-related amputations. SSG Hall works out daily and is a part-time instructor of Krav Maga, a military self-defense/fighting system.
He has only praise for HFOT and its supporters: “Homes for Our Troops is unimaginable, the impact they have. I can think about how it will be, but I can’t imagine what it’d be like to have somewhere that’s, one, permanently mine and, two, that I don’t have to modify or find ways around anything. And when I get older, I may have to be in the wheelchair more and that would be awesome to be able to do that.”
Chris Copley and Tim Lang, franchise owners of Budget Blinds serving Boone, donated their time and expertise to measure for and install the faux wood blinds throughout SSG Hall’s new home in Jonesborough, TN. Custom window treatments are an important part of a comfortable home, providing beauty, privacy, energy efficiency and light control.
You can listen to SSG Joshua Hall share his experiences by clicking here.
If new window treatments are a summer project in your home, Budget Blinds can help you find the perfect window covering for your needs. Whether you’re considering blinds, shades, shutters or drapes, a Budget Blinds Style Consultant can help you find beautiful solutions for energy efficiency, child-safe window treatments, hard-to-reach windows 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.
- For more information on the Budget Blinds/Homes for Our Troops partnership or to make a donation, go to We Proudly Support Our Troops.
- For questions like How is Homes for Our Troops Different? check out HFOT FAQ.
