At Homes for Veterans, we’re no strangers to urgent calls for help—but some moments demand action beyond our usual scope. One of those moments came during a brutal cold snap in Sussex County, New Jersey, when the temperature dropped to zero degrees and Army veteran Phil and his family were left without heat or hot water.
Phil, a proud Army veteran and father, reached out in desperation. His home’s boiler had failed, and his family was braving freezing temperatures with no way to stay warm. While HVAC repair and replacement isn’t typically part of our core services, we knew we couldn’t turn away.
When help was needed most, a team of dedicated plumbers showed up ready to get to work. These incredible professionals didn’t just drop in for a quick fix—they stayed for over 20 hours, working until the sun started to rise, refusing to leave until everything was running smoothly. At 5 a.m., they finally packed up, knowing Phil’s home was warm and safe once again.
Their selfless commitment speaks volumes. We are deeply grateful to these heroes behind the scenes who refused to stop until the job was done right!
Emergency Action, Immediate Impact
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible community, we were able to act quickly, funding the purchase and installation of a brand-new boiler and providing a full tank of heating oil to power the family’s furnace.
But the support didn’t stop there.
When Phil fell behind on his electric bill, an urgent need that could have left him without power, our longtime partners at Adopt a Soldier Platoon stepped in without hesitation, covering the overdue balance to ensure the heat could stay on.
Their continued partnership, especially in emergency situations like this, is nothing short of lifesaving.
Now, Phil, his wife, and their three children are safe, warm, and together in their home, even in the harshest winter weather.
Moments like these remind us that the mission is greater than the modifications we typically provide. It’s about showing up for our veterans, in whatever way they need, when no one else can. Your donations don’t just build ramps or remodel bathrooms. They bring heat to a cold home, comfort in a time of stress, and hope to those who’ve served our country.
A special thank you to Adopt a Soldier Platoon—thank you for your continued partnership, for stepping up in critical moments, and for being part of this shared mission.
