OREANDA-NEWS. Sears has launched its ninth annual Heroes at Home campaign with Rebuilding Together, a leading national nonprofit in safe and healthy housing, to raise funds and assist military families facing hardship. This year the program will enable critical repairs, improvements or modifications to the largest VFW Post in Colorado and single-family military family homes across the United States of decorated veterans of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom and more.

Heroes at Home, which has raised nearly $20 million over the past eight years via donations from Shop Your Way members, customers and Sears associates, has funded more than 1,600 home rebuilds.

"When we meet these veterans and their families during rebuild projects they overwhelm us with their incredible spirit and appreciation," said Joelle Maher, president and chief member officer at Sears. "Though many served long ago, it's clear the spirit of service has stayed with them for a lifetime. That's why supporting America's veterans has long been a part of Sears' DNA and we're so proud of the dedication and support our members and associates show in giving back to those who have given so much."

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, about 1.4 million veterans are considered at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.

This spring, dozens of military family homes will be rebuilt thanks to the Heroes at Home program. Among these projects is the Lowry Post 501 in Aurora, Colorado, which is the largest VFW Post in the state with an active membership of 340 veterans. The post serves veterans' communities throughout the Denver area offering advocacy and advice to disabled veterans or those who have suffered adverse medical conditions as a result of their service. Through a Heroes at Home grant, Lowry Post 501 will receive a new fence, many interior drywall and accessibility modifications, and a new mural on the building's exterior.

Now through July 30, Sears is calling upon Shop Your Way members and customers nationwide to donate at their local Sears store or online via a link at sears.com/heroesathome. All funds raised go to Rebuilding Together.

"At Rebuilding Together, we believe that everyone deserves to live in a safe and healthy home, especially our veterans and their families," said Caroline Blakely, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "The need is dire, and with partners like Sears we are able to bridge the gap in services available to veterans, providing critical repairs and modifications that ensure our veterans can live in safe, sustainable and accessible homes." 

Other examples of the nationwide Heroes at Home projects that Rebuilding Together will complete this spring include:

  • Chicago – Repairing leaks in the basement and roof of the house of a Vietnam veteran's widow whose family's tradition of service to America includes a son who also served in the Navy for seven years and a grandson currently stationed in Alaska with the Air Force.
  • Baltimore – Updating the home with new appliances, repairing the electrical outlets throughout the home and installing handrails for an Army veteran.
  • Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Repairing the home of a Navy veteran who is a double amputee (legs) and single parent caring for his special needs child. A tree recently fell on a portion of his roof, causing severe structural damage.
  • Miami – Numerous repairs, accessibility additions and pest abatement for the home of a 93 year-old World War II Army veteran and his wife of 68 years, who have lived in the house for 49 years.

Companies within the Sears Holdings family employ more than 25,000 veterans and more than 1,500 active members of the Reserve and National Guard.