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Rebuilding Together’s HEROES AT HOME: Working with Sears to
assist our veterans.
Rebuilding Together Litchfield County is
taking on one of the region’s largest HEROES AT HOME projects to
date: renovating the home of a young Iraq War veteran who was
severely injured during his service.
Chris Strickland served honorably in the
Army’s 1st Armored Division from 2004 until 2008 when
he received a Medical Discharge. While stationed in Ramadi,
Iraq, his unit was hit by a roadside bomb. As a result both of
Chris’ legs were shattered, his right arm was amputated below
the elbow, he lost vision in his right eye and he suffered a
Traumatic Brain Injury.
Chris is a remarkable person. Today, Chris
lives in Waterford, Connecticut with his wife and 8 month old
son in a three bedroom home built in the 1950’s. He and his
father own an auto parts store where Chris works. They are a
proud, patriotic family and have modified their home as much as
they can to make Chris’ environment as safe as possible.
However, they are unable to make all the modifications necessary
to create a safe environment for Chris. As a result of his
injuries he has difficulty maintaining his balance and falls
frequently causing additional injuries and frustrations. Chris
would like to be more proactive, assisting his wife and helping
with their son. Sometimes simple tasks like bringing in the
groceries can prove overwhelming as he must currently navigate
several different landings to enter him home.
Chris heard about Rebuilding Together’s
HEROES AT HOME program and contacted the national office. The
national office, eager to assist one of our veterans, contacted
its affiliates in Connecticut and asked if anyone could
accomplish this project. Rebuilding Together’s Litchfield
County affiliate and its Executive Director Ceia Webb said they
had the expertise to complete the job.
Rebuilding
Together Litchfield County has agreed to remove an existing
porch and install a new one that is level with the house with a
ramp so that Chris can easily enter and exit his home. They
have also agreed to completely renovate the bathroom to make it
handicap compatible. There are additional tasks to be performed
as well. At the end of the day Rebuilding Together Litchfield
County wants Chris and his family to live in a home that is safe
and maximizes his ability to function proactively.
Rebuilding
Together is a national nonprofit with a network of nearly
225 affiliates across the United States. Our mission is to
bring volunteers and communities together to rehabilitate the
homes of low-income homeowners. HEROES AT HOME was launched by
Rebuilding Together and Sears Holdings in May 2007. HEROES AT
HOME strives to improve the lives of all low-income U.S. service
members, veterans, and military families in need across America
by making necessary repairs, improvements, and modifications to
their homes. Rebuilding Together Litchfield County is a
Connecticut non-profit corporation, qualified by the IRS as a
501(c)( 3) organization.
CONTACT: Ceia Webb, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together
Litchfield County (860) 350-2290
ceiawebb@wildblue.net
Peter Barhydt (203) 618-1709.
peter.barhydt@aberdeenassociates.com
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