Andy Mora, a veteran of the United States Army, came to this country from Ecuador in search of a better future and the opportunity to serve something greater than himself. Driven by a desire to build a stable life for his family and give back to the country that gave him that chance, Andy made the decision to enlist and proudly serve.
During his time in the Army, Andy worked in transportation, playing a critical role in logistics, moving ammunition, supplies, equipment, and personnel wherever they were needed. His work helped ensure that operations ran smoothly and that fellow soldiers remained supported and safe. He took great pride in knowing that his contributions made a real difference.
Since returning to civilian life, Andy has faced a series of health challenges that have taken a significant toll on both his physical and mental well-being. He now lives with multiple service-connected conditions, including PTSD, Type 2 diabetes, tinnitus, sciatica, arthritis in both knees, and chronic asthma. These conditions affect his daily functioning and make even routine tasks more difficult.
Managing his health requires consistency, especially when it comes to preparing safe, healthy meals at home. However, Andy is currently facing an unexpected and urgent hardship, his stove has stopped working completely. Without a functional stove, he is unable to prepare the meals necessary to manage his diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle for himself and his family.
This situation has created not only an inconvenience, but a serious barrier to his well-being. The inability to cook has increased stress within the household, worsened his PTSD symptoms, and made daily life more challenging. With financial constraints, replacing the stove on his own is not currently possible, placing additional strain on his family.
Through our partnership with The Home Depot Foundation, we were able to secure a $900 grant to provide Andy with a new stove. This support helped restore a basic but critical necessity in his home, allowing him to safely prepare meals again and regain a sense of stability and independence.
Homes for Veterans is stepping in to provide essential support by:
Replacing the non-functioning stove with a safe, reliable unit
Restoring the ability to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals
Supporting Andy’s medical and dietary needs
Improving overall safety and stability within the home
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Wolfgang Hiller, Home Depot Manager in Clifton, NJ, and Adam Goslin of the Home Depot Foundation for their generosity and support in helping make this project possible. Their commitment to giving back plays a vital role in allowing us to continue serving those who have served us.
For a veteran who came to this country seeking opportunity and gave back through service, this support represents not only a new appliance, but a step toward stability, dignity, and the ability to care for himself and his family once again.
