International Code Council
Foundation President Paul Myers launches Project H.E.R.O.
at a kick-off breakfast in Washington, D.C.
A number of organizations partnered
to make Project H.E.R.O. a reality, including the American
Institute of Architects, American Institute of Building
Design, Disabled American Veterans, Laborers' International
Union of North America, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
From left: Georgia Toney (left) and Steve Mickley from
AIBD and Carol Lopez of PVA.
Project H.E.R.O. spokesman
Gen. Wesley Clark introduces the first Project H.E.R.O.
recipients, Shelby Bowling and his wife Renate. A Vietnam
veteran, Bowling has diabetes and must use a motorized
scooter. His house in Hamilton, Ohio, does not have an
accessible entrance and his bedroom and bathroom are on
the second floor.
James Lee Witt, ICCF Chairman, talks
about Project H.E.R.O. (Homes Eliminated of Restrictions
and Obstacles). Project H.E.R.O. is a volunteer-based
program that will make disabled veterans' homes accessible.
The Veterans administration
offers a number of benefits to veterans, including home
loan guarantee programs, healthcare, disability compensation
and pensions, but VA accessibility programs are geared
to permanently and totally disabled veterans. "This
type of private response is critical," said. Ronald
Aument, Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans
Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
"The need is great"
"Out of the clear blue
sky in answer to a prayer, the International Code Council
Foundation came along and told me what they'd like to
do," said Air Force veteran Shelby Bowling. "I'm
not going to have to sell my home. Thank you."
Son of a World War II veteran
and laborer, who came back from the war healthy, Terence
O'Sullivan, Laborers' International Union of North America
General President, said, "I told my Dad why I was
coming here today, and I don't think he has ever been
so proud." LIUNA has pledged funds and workers to
the project.
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here for more information on Project H.E.R.O.
