Bruce Fisher, an eight-year US Army National Guard veteran was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fisher, who lives in Anderson with his wife and two young sons, needed significant repairs to his home to make it safe and accessible.
When the Fisher family reached out to Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter, it was clear that the need surpassed available resources. The team moved swiftly to partner with Rebuild Upstate to complete additional home repairs.
Rebuild Upstate also connected the Fishers with volunteers from Emmanuel’s Hammer and Upstate Warrior Solution’s Anderson Community Action Board worked to connect the family with additional resources including assistance provided through United Way of Anderson County. Through collaboration, community leaders were able to provide badly needed home repairs, ensure the family received funds for living expenses, and even made sure that the Fishers’ young children received Christmas presents.
“We appreciate everyone that’s been involved in the whole project,” Fisher said. “We would recommend Emmanuel’s Hammer to anybody. When Rebuild Upstate and Purple Heart Homes say they’re going to do something, they get in there and get it done. It changed my life 100%.”
Repairs made by Rebuild Upstate and Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter included a new HVAC system and ductwork, new plumbing throughout the home, a new roof, electrical upgrades, and bathroom and kitchen improvements.
Area businesses including MCG Mechanical Services, McGee Heating and Air, Isom Electric, Simpson Plumbing, and Southern Building Construction Inc., graciously donated or discounted services and materials to make repairs possible.
“Our collective work on the Fisher family’s home sheds light on the growing needs of veterans in our community who have honorably served our country,” said Rebuild Upstate Founder and President Chris Manley. “With 8.5% of Upstate veterans living in poverty, our collective job isn’t done. Rebuild Upstate looks forward to pursuing future partnerships to provide critical home repairs for veterans and their families throughout the Upstate.”
About Rebuild Upstate
Rebuild Upstate serves low-income homeowners with repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods in Anderson, Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties. Its team envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity in a safe home environment in order to maintain and foster strong, sustainable communities. Learn more at rebuildupstate.org.
About Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter
Founded in 2013, Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter is a 100% volunteer 501(c)3 that provides deserving veterans in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties with free home improvements making their homes safe and accessible. Follow Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter on Facebook to learn more.
