Veteran Story: Robert Coleman
Meet Army Veteran Robert Coleman
Robert Coleman served his country for more than fifteen years in the Army National Guard, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, what he wants is straightforward: to move through his own home safely and hold on to his independence.
When Everyday Tasks Became a Risk
That has grown harder over time. Robert lives with a progressive condition that weakens his legs and feet and affects his balance, along with chronic hip and back pain. In a home that was never built for those challenges, ordinary moments like stepping over the edge of a bathtub or getting out to the yard carried a real risk of falling.
No Veteran Should Risk a Fall at Home
No Veteran should have to risk a fall just to take a shower or step outside their own door. Helping Veterans live safely and independently in their own homes is the work we do every day, and Robert's home was exactly where we could make a difference.
Building a Safer Home
With funding and on-the-ground volunteers from Lowe's, joined by volunteers of Team Rubicon, we focused on the parts of Robert's home that affect his safety every single day. We installed an ADA-compliant walk-in shower, removing the dangerous step-over of a traditional tub and giving him a secure place to bathe. We built a new deck so he can get outdoors safely, and we replaced the home's gutters to protect the house for years to come.
Steadier Footing, Greater Independence
For someone managing weakness and balance challenges, a step-free shower and a stable way outdoors are not small comforts. They are the difference between independence and constant worry of a fall, both for Robert and for the family member who shares his home.
Because They Gave, You Can Choose
Robert's home is safer today because people chose to act on behalf of a Veteran they may never meet. You can be that person for the next Veteran. Through Hearts of Honor, our monthly giving club, your membership becomes the steady support that lets us say yes when a Veteran needs us, and keep that promise. Right now, more than 50 Veterans are waiting for the repairs and accessibility modifications that would let them live safely at home. Membership starts at $25 a month, and every member moves us closer to our goal of 800. They gave so much for us. Now you can choose a Veteran.
Thank You to Our Partners
We are grateful to the volunteers of Team Rubicon and to Lowe's, whose funding and hands-on support made Robert's project possible.
About Purple Heart Homes
Co-founded by two combat-wounded Veterans, Purple Heart Homes has been bringing communities together to provide safe, barrier-free housing solutions for qualified Veterans since its founding in 2008. A nonprofit organization based in Statesville, N.C., PHH supports service-connected disabled ands senior Veterans from all eras across all 50 states and Puerto Rico through a growing network of local chapters. Programs include critical home repairs and renovations to helps Veterans live independently in their homes, home ownership programs and transitional housing through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations. Learn more at purplehearthomesusa.org.
