On Tuesday, Walton Options for Independent Living was joined by The Home Depot’s associate-led volunteer force to transform the home of Roscoe Barnwell, a Meals on Wheels recipient. Funding for this project was made possible in part by a grant from The Home Depot Foundation and its ongoing partnership with Meals on Wheels America.

“People with disabilities should not have to choose between staying at home or sacrificing independence by moving because of small modification needs such as ramps and bathroom access,” explains Tiffany Clifford, Executive Director for Walton Options. “Through our Home Modifications program, we work with our consumers to make changes to their homes so they are able to live the lives that they want and are entitled to. Through the Team Depot grant and working with their volunteers, we have had the opportunity to give back to our local veterans with disabilities.”

A former Drill Sergeant who served over 14 years in the army, Mr. Barnwell relies on a wheelchair and a walker to get around because of the loss of a leg. The difficulty he has getting into and using his bathroom safely has been a concern. The bathroom updates by Team Depot and Walton Options will give him safer access to his bathroom.  

In addition to the bathroom modifications for Mr. Barnwell, this Home Depot Foundation project has been able to assist nine other veterans and their families in the CSRA area with a variety of home improvements. Repairs and improvements included repairs to floors and walls, door widens, wheelchair ranks, new sinks and toilets, and new light fixtures.

“We are very excited to be working with Walton Options to give back to our local veterans,” said Maranda Holmes, the Store Manager of the Belair Road Home Depot in Augusta. “The Home Depot Foundation and Team Depot work to improve homes and lives of US military veterans and their families. The local Team Depot is very excited to dedicate our time and our talents to help those in the CSRA. But, we could not do what we do without the support of partners like Walton Options who advocate for our veterans.” 

Through the Home Depot Foundation grant, Team Depot and Walton Options will be assisting ten veterans in Georgia and South Carolina with home modifications.