Matildy “Sam” Samaripa has always been the kind of person who takes care of what needs to be done. A 73-year-old veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Army, Sam spent years maintaining and improving his Manor home himself whenever repairs were needed.
As he got older, however, keeping up with home maintenance became more difficult and more expensive. While attending a regular meeting at Jesse Samaripa American Legion Post 331 in Manor, Sam learned about Meals on Wheels Central Texas’ Home Repair program and the maintenance support available to veterans through Helping Homebound Heroes, a grant made possible by generous funding from The Home Depot Foundation and support from Meals on Wheels America.
After reaching out to Meals on Wheels Central Texas, the Home Repair team coordinated repairs to several windows and a door in his home. These improvements enhanced the property's appearance while also reducing ongoing household expenses.
For Sam and his family, the project delivered both practical and financial relief. The repairs addressed issues he had been struggling with for some time, but had postponed completing because, “the cost was too high for me,” he shared. “Home Depot really helped us out.”
The improvements also gave Sam a renewed appreciation for his home.
“The look of our home is also better,” he said. “I have done quite a bit of work on my home… But the work our contractor did… I would personally hire him myself.”
Thanks to support from The Home Depot Foundation, Sam and his wife can look forward to greater comfort, lower maintenance concerns, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their home is better prepared for the years ahead. These repairs ensure they can continue living safely and independently in their own home.
Supporting Veterans Through Home Repair
Meals on Wheels Central Texas is grateful to The Home Depot Foundation for helping veterans throughout Central Texas remain safe and comfortable. Through critical repairs and home improvements, veterans like Sam can continue aging in place with dignity.
Support from our community makes these projects possible. Every gift helps provide life-enriching services that empower older adults and veterans to remain in the homes they love.
