Veteran Story: Jacob Dunford
For U.S. Army National Guard Veteran Jacob Dunford, home should be a place of security, comfort, and peace. After years of service and sacrifice, maintaining that sense of safety became increasingly challenging as physical limitations and home safety concerns began to impact daily life. Thanks to Purple Heart Homes and the support of generous partners, Jacob and his family can now move forward with renewed confidence in their home.
Service and Sacrifice
Jacob Dunford served honorably in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1997 to 2012, supporting missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He achieved the rank of E-4 and is a service-connected disabled Veteran, living with back problems and PTSD as a result of his service.
Like many Veterans, Jacob continues to carry the weight of those years long after leaving the uniform behind, navigating physical and emotional challenges while focusing on providing for his family.
A Family-Focused Need
Jacob and his spouse are taking care of two adopted sons with special needs. Ensuring their home was safe, accessible, and compliant with North Carolina building codes was essential not only for Jacob's health, but also for the well-being of his entire family.
Prior to the project, Jacob's deck no longer met code requirements, creating safety concerns, and his bathroom lacked the accessibility features he needed. These issues added unnecessary stress and uncertainty to daily life.
Creating Safety and Accessibility
Through Purple Heart Homes' Veterans Aging in Place program, critical updates were made to Jacob's home in Lincolnton, North Carolina. The scope of work included:
- Installation of an ADA-accessible walk-in shower to improve bathroom accessibility
- Repairs to the home's deck to ensure it was up to code and safe for family use
These improvements allow Jacob to move more comfortably through his home while giving his family peace of mind knowing their living space is secure and functional.
A Lasting Impact
With the renovations complete, Jacob and his family no longer have to worry about a major part of their home being unsafe or non-compliant. The updates have improved accessibility, reduced daily stress, and created a safer environment for all five members of the household, including their two special needs sons.
This project was made possible through the support of Lowe's, the North Carolina government, and contractor partner Patriot Construction & Remodeling, whose commitment to Veterans helped turn a critical need into a lasting solution.
Honoring Service at Home
Purple Heart Homes is proud to stand alongside Veterans like Jacob Dunford, ensuring that the sacrifices made in service to our country are honored with safe, accessible housing at home. Projects like this reflect power of community support and the importance of caring for Veterans and their families long after military service ends.
If you would like to help Purple Heart Homes continue creating safe housing solutions for Veterans across the country, we invite you to learn more, get involved, or support our mission.
