HEIDREA FOR HEROES Adaptive home projects for veterans

PLYMOUTH — Heidrea for Heroes recently completed three adaptive home modification projects for Plymouth-area veterans.

James Smith, a disabled Navy veteran from Plymouth who served from 1967 to 1969, was in need of modifications to his bathroom for wheelchair access. Due to the size of his motorized wheelchair, the doorway of his bathroom required widening and the floor, which had been damaged by the weight of the chair, needed replacement. With help from a $1,000 grant from The Solstice Foundation based in Kingston, and a donation of materials from The Home Depot in Plymouth, Heidrea for Heroes fulfilled the project completion during Smith’s recent stay in rehab.

In addition, on May 25, the organization completed two accessibility projects in Carver and Plymouth. Thomas Blatt, a Navy veteran from Carver, suffered from shrapnel injuries in his legs during his years of service from 1972 to 1974. Now a wheelchair user due to continued problems associated with the injuries and aging, Blatt needed a wheelchair ramp for access to his home after a recent surgery. Heidrea for Heroes responded quickly to the request to ensure that the ramp was in place soon after his return from the hospital.

“We are forever grateful to Heidrea for Heroes for the help that was given. Without this ramp, and without Heidrea’s help to get us this ramp, I don’t know what we would have done at a time like this,” said Heide Blatt, the veteran’s daughter.

Army veteran Leon Weymouth, of Plymouth, also suffered from mobility issues that prevented him from climbing the stairs to his bedroom on the second floor of his home without the risk of falling due to illness. Heidrea for Heroes stepped in to provide him with motorized stair lift that will allow him to remain living in his home.

Using their own resources and working with area laborers and businesses to reduce costs, Heidrea for Heroes covered the full expense for each of these projects at no cost to the veterans. In January, the organization, which was founded by two Marines, announced its Lift 21 initiative, a goal to lift a burden for 21 deserving veterans from throughout southeastern Massachusettsbetween Jan. 1 and June 30.

“We are well on our way to reaching our Lift 21 goal and are so pleased to be able to lend a helping hand to veterans who have sacrificed for all of us,” said Amy Belmore, project manager and director of development for Heidrea for Heroes.

Community members are encouraged to donate to support their efforts, and contributions can be made online at heidrea4heroes.org or mailed to Heidrea for Heroes, 10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 224, Plymouth, MA 02360. Veterans in need of assistance are encouraged to call their office at 774-773-3951 or visit the website to learn more about their services and the application process.