January 29, 2020
“It was just a blessing. It really meant a lot to me,” says 71 year-old Army veteran Tommy Mendez of the major repairs done to his home by Meals on Wheels Central Texas and the Home Depot Foundation.
Mr. Mendez served in the U.S. Army from 1969 – 1971, including a year-long stint in Vietnam where he served as a radio operator.
A lingering knee injury he suffered in basic training has gotten worse over the years and these days it’s tough for him to get around. He and his partner, Ysabel Soliz, live on a fixed income – so when it came time to repair their home in Lockhart, Texas, Mr. Mendez lacked the strength and the finances to get the job done.
Fortunately, Meals on Wheels Central Texas and the Home Depot Foundation were there to help – fixing a leaky roof, installing a ramp that makes it easier for Mr. Mendez to get in and out of the house, and installing new siding, just to name a few of the repairs.
When asked what he would have done without the assistance, Mr. Mendez says “we didn’t have the money to pay for it. I guess we would have stayed in this home until it fell down. But Meals on Wheels and the Home Depot Foundation did an excellent job.”