“Helping Homebound Heroes” is an initiative of The Home Depot Foundation and Meals on Wheels America. Started in 2015, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland (MOWCM) has been expanding its home modification and repair program to ensure its veteran clients are living in safe and healthy homes. Recently, and just in time for winter, Darryl, a 63-year-old Army veteran had new windows installed in his home.
In June of this year, Darryl had shoulder replacement surgery which limited his mobility. So, Darryl and his wife Jackie decided it was best to sign him up for meal deliveries five days a week as Darryl was less likely to prepare food for himself. After having been in the MOWCM food delivery program for a few months, Darryl was then contacted by MOWCM regarding his veteran status and the possibility of much-needed home improvements.
“We knew that numerous windows were not in good condition, but we didn’t have the money and budget to get it done,” said Darryl. “How can you go from getting food delivery to getting some new windows? God works in mysterious ways,” said Jackie.
“It’s a blessing because I go to work at 3pm and get off at 11pm and if it were not for Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Darryl may not be eating well at all,” said Jackie. They mentioned how the relationship with MOWCM has greatly improved Darryl’s eating habits and his ability to remain nourished.
As far as the new windows project, according to Daryl and Jackie, everything moved fast. Windows were installed in late-September, but the process really started in July. “Someone from Home Depot contacted us and came out to do the measurements and then they ordered the windows. It was about 30 days before the windows came and they did the installation,” said Darryl.
“They definitely needed to be replaced,” said Jackie. The windows were originals, from when the house was built back in the 1980s. They were hard to lift and there weren’t any screens. For Darryl and his wife, just being able to open the window is a blessing. “They also add more insulation to the house and improve the heating bill, so it’s great; and they’re more visually appealing from inside and outside the home.”
“MOWCM has a great program,” said Jackie. “It’s been a blessing to us and unbeknownst to us we had no idea whatsoever they were connected to get home improvements. So, it’s been great to get the support we needed.”