Purple Heart Homes Expands Mission in Indianapolis Through Partnership with Home Repairs for Good
Veteran Kevin Smith Swings First Hammer on Life-Changing Home Project Supported by FOX Sports and Fox Corporation
With a determined swing of the first hammer, U.S. Air Force Veteran Kevin Smith began the transformation of his own home—one that will soon be safer, more accessible, and built to support his independence for years to come.
That powerful moment, captured on site this week, marks the beginning of a new chapter for three Indianapolis-area Veterans whose homes are being renovated through a new partnership between national nonprofit Purple Heart Homes and local nonprofit Home Repairs for Good.
These critical repairs are made possible through the ongoing support of FOX Sports and Fox Corporation, whose commitment to America’s Veterans continues to create lasting impact across the country and is part of the legacy FOX Sports’ inaugural coverage of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 leaves behind.
“The partnership between FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes is central to our efforts to serve the military heroes who selflessly served us,” said Mark Toyama, Director of Community Partnerships at FOX Sports. “It’s an honor to work alongside Purple Heart Homes to provide critical housing solutions for Veterans across the country to improve their safety and accessibility, increase independence and facilitate aging-in-place.”
Over the course of the next week, three Veterans—representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force—will receive home renovations tailored to their individual needs, including roofing work and a bathroom and kitchen remodel.
“As an Indianapolis resident, the son of a Veteran, and the father of a current Army First Lieutenant, I’m deeply honored to see this partnership take root in our city,” said Dave Sternberg, Chair of the Purple Heart Homes Board. “This work is about restoring dignity, independence, and peace of mind to the people who have given so much to our country. We are honored by the continued partnership of FOX Sports and look forward to what lies ahead in our growing collaboration with Home Repairs for Good. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re building - literally and figuratively - right here in our community.”
Serving Veterans
The Veterans being served include:
Gary Dean (U.S. Army)
- Volunteer Day: Monday, May 12
- Mission Complete: Tuesday, May 13 at 11:00 AM
Donald Covington (U.S. Navy)
- Volunteer Day: Wednesday, May 14 from 9:00–11:00 AM
- Mission Complete: 1:00 PM
Kevin Smith (U.S. Air Force)
- Mission Complete: Thursday, May 15 at 11:00 AM
“To be able to provide a safer, more stable home for three Veterans in Indianapolis through the collaboration with Purple Heart Homes was an obvious choice,” said Rachel Nelson, Executive Director of Home Repairs for Good. “This will help these men and their families age in place for years to come. It has been an honor to serve them in this way.”
Volunteer Efforts Underway
The volunteer effort has been bolstered by outstanding local partners. Team members from Elevance Health have stepped up to support Monday’s work for Gary Dean, and Pulte Homes will lend their time and talent during Wednesday’s build for Donald Covington. Their hands-on involvement exemplifies what it means to serve those who served. These homes are more than structures; they are sanctuaries. And for Veterans like Kevin, they are a place to age with dignity, surrounded by family, community, and pride.
As part of the broader effort, Purple Heart Homes’ Marketing and Development teams will be present and engaging with the community during both the Sonsio Grand Prix and Armed Forces Qualifying events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These activations will provide opportunities for racegoers to learn more about the organization’s mission, meet the people behind the work, and support future efforts in Indiana and beyond. Purple Heart Homes plans to continue serving in Indianapolis well beyond these initial projects, laying the groundwork for deeper partnerships and ongoing service in the region.
Community Invited
The community is warmly invited to join Purple Heart Homes, Home Repairs for Good, FOX Sports, Fox Corporation, and local partners in celebrating these Veterans during their Mission Complete ceremonies. Your presence is a powerful reminder that no Veteran is forgotten and that together, we build more than homes. We build hope.
For detailed location information, please email [email protected].
About Purple Heart Homes
Co-founded by two combat-wounded Veterans, Purple Heart Homes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing safe and accessible housing solutions for disabled and aging Veterans. Since 2008, PHH has completed more than 1,000 projects nationwide, empowering Veterans to live with dignity and independence. Learn more at www.purplehearthomesusa.org.
About Home Repairs for Good
Home Repairs for Good is both a 501c3 and a general contractor and has been providing home repairs at no cost to homeowners 62 and older and those with disabilities in Marion County since 2013. Home repairs are completed by in-house staff, workforce development trainees, volunteers, and when necessary, subcontractors. The organization is funded through donations, grants, and volunteer contributions. To connect with the organization, www.homerepairsforgood.org.
About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing Fox Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats and alerts to iOS and Android devices. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and the UFL and a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Purple Heart Homes, every swing of the hammer and every nail driven brings us closer to a future where no Veteran is left behind. But we can’t do it without you. Your generous gift directly supports life-changing home repairs, renovations, and accessibility solutions for disabled and aging Veterans across the country.
💜 Donate today and help build a safer, more independent future for those who served.
👉 Visit www.purplehearthomesusa.org to make your contribution and become part of a community dedicated to honoring and serving our Veterans.
Together, we build more than homes — we build hope.
