Mission Accomplished: Two ADA Bathrooms for Marine Veteran Frank Russo
At Homes for Veterans, our mission is to provide accessible, barrier-free living environments for veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. Our work changes lives by offering the dignity, independence, and safety that so many veterans struggle to maintain as they face physical challenges. One of our recent projects brought these values to life, as we completed two ADA-compliant bathrooms for Marine veteran Frank Russo—a project that gave him the relief and freedom he desperately needed.
Frank Russo’s Story: A Marine’s Battle with MS and Heart Disease
Frank Russo, a brave Marine veteran, has faced a series of devastating health challenges since leaving the service. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Frank’s mobility has steadily declined, making everyday activities a constant battle. As if MS wasn’t enough, Frank has also undergone a heart transplant, and over the course of his illness, he’s endured 18 revivals after suffering multiple heart failures. Despite these overwhelming odds, Frank has remained resilient, but his home was no longer a safe or accessible space for him to live in.
Frank’s greatest challenge was his bathrooms. Navigating stairs, showering, and moving freely within the tight spaces became impossible. But thanks to the incredible generosity of donors and our partners, we were able to transform Frank’s home to meet his needs.
A Life-Changing Renovation: The Project Scope
The project focused on transforming both of Frank’s bathrooms—one upstairs and one downstairs—to make them fully accessible and safe.
Downstairs Bathroom: We installed a brand-new wheelchair-accessible shower, which will allow Frank to bathe safely and comfortably without the risk of falls. The doorways were widened to accommodate his wheelchair, and we installed grab bars and an ADA-compliant toilet for added safety.
Upstairs Bathroom: In addition to creating an accessible space downstairs, we installed a larger bathtub upstairs to ensure that Frank could have more comfort and ease when bathing.
These renovations were more than just physical changes; they were a gift of freedom and independence, restoring Frank’s ability to perform basic daily tasks that had become major obstacles.
Total Cost and Support: The Impact of Your Donations
The total project cost for both bathrooms was $25,000.
A huge part of this project was made possible by the incredible support of Shoreline Veterans Corporation, a local nonprofit, which raised $7,000 to cover the costs of the downstairs bathroom. Additionally, Tile Redi generously donated the wheelchair-accessible shower pan, and A&G Contractors provided their services to bring this project to life. The collaboration of so many caring individuals and organizations allowed us to complete these vital renovations.
Why This Project Was Life-Changing
For Frank Russo, these renovations are far more than just home improvements—they are life-changing. After years of battling his health and dealing with the physical limitations of his home, Frank now has the safety and accessibility he desperately needed. He can shower with dignity, move around his home with greater ease, and experience a sense of independence that he hadn’t had in years.
The impact of these changes was evident in Frank’s emotional reaction when we revealed the completed bathrooms. His gratitude and relief were overwhelming, and it’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.
🎥 WATCH: Frank’s Project Reveal
Gratitude to Our Community
This project couldn’t have been completed without the generous support of our donors and partners. We want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially Shoreline Veterans Corporation, A&G Contractors, and Tile Redi. Your commitment to helping veterans like Frank regain their independence is truly remarkable.
Help Us Continue to Change Lives
At Homes for Veterans, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to continue providing life-changing home modifications to veterans in need. If Frank’s story has touched your heart, consider making a donation or getting involved in future projects. Together, we can ensure that more veterans like Frank receive the support and safety they deserve in their own homes.
Interested in supporting our mission? Visit www.homesforveterans.us to learn more and get involved.
