Willis Dady Homeless Services received a $50,000 grant from Lowe’s Hometowns, the nonprofit announced July 31.
The funding will support accessibility and structural upgrades to Westminster House, a permanent supportive housing facility for veterans.
The project will move the laundry unit from the basement to the main floor, renovate the first-floor bathroom for increased mobility, add a concrete approach and ramp for accessibility, update kitchen appliances, install a new washer and dryer, and repair gutters and entry points to prevent pests, according to Willis Dady.
Westminster House serves four veterans at a time through the organization’s Permanent Supportive Housing program, which provides affordable housing to individuals experiencing persistent homelessness with high barriers to stable housing. The veterans’ program accepts individuals regardless of discharge status, unlike many federal programs.
“This house has made my life 150% better,” one resident said after learning about the renovation plans, according to Willis Dady.
Veteran Program Manager Shannon Fay said the ADA updates will expand access. “Now we won’t have to turn anyone away that is in a wheelchair,” Ms. Fay said.
The Lowe’s Hometowns program is a five-year, $100 million initiative funding community-based renovation projects. This year, 100 community-nominated projects nationwide were selected for funding.
Willis Dady Homeless Services, founded in 1987, provides advocacy, housing and employment resources to individuals experiencing homelessness.
