Keeping U.S. Veteran, Hero, at Home
Frank Delaney raised his two children in his Lincoln home where he has lived for nearly 30 years. Two years ago he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Frank describes, “It has become a struggle for me to get up and down in the stairs in my multi-level home. My bedroom and bath are up a narrow flight of stairs and my kitchen is down another set of stairs. My goal is to continue to live in my home and not have to give up my dog.”
Frank discussed his situation with his physician who recommended Frank explore installing a stair lift in his home. Frank needed help to identify the right equipment and funding to cover the purchase and installation. He explored where he might get assistance and submitted a Service and Device Application to the Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP).
After reviewing Frank’s application, Lauren Rock, ATP Resource Specialist, referred Frank to Rebuilding Together. Lauren says, “it was through our partnership with Rebuilding Together that we were aware of the Heroes at Home Program and was able to help find a solution for the consumer. Because of this collaborative effort, we were able to work together to help Frank remain independent in his home.”
Rebuilding Together improves the homes and lives of the low-income, disabled, and elderly by connecting volunteers and communities to provide free home repair services. Annually, 235 affiliates revitalize 10,000 homes and non-profit facilities in 1,800 communities utilizing 272,000 volunteers.
Rebuilding Together’s Veterans Housing Initiative was created to fill the gaps in housing modifications

Above: Frank and his dog, Skipper; Right: Frank on his stair lift

and repair services that retired and active service men and women struggle to meet. Two programs are part of this initiative.
Serving Those Who Serve was launched with the support of founding sponsor, Countrywide Financial Corporation, to meet the needs of severely injured veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The program focuses on home modifications and repairs for veterans who are returning to their homes with severe service-related injuries.
The Heroes at Home focuses on providing housing modifications and repair services for low-income service men and women and their families from past and present wars. The program was launched with the support of the Sears Holdings Corporation.
Ann Chaffin, Rebuilding Together, Lincoln Executive Director says, “The first step in helping Frank was to schedule an assessment by the Assistive Technology Partnership.” Peg Hansen, a Technology Specialist met with Frank and they discussed his needs and possible solutions. After taking some measurements Peg recommended two stair lifts be installed. The lifts would give Frank access to the upper and lower level of his home and at the same time maintain safety for others. Peg describes that, “Stair lifts are a common alternative

for providing access between floors and cost less than platform lifts and elevators.”
Next, Lincoln’s Rebuilding Together applied for a $10,000 grant from Heroes at Home to cover the cost and installation of the stair lifts and the program’s operating and administrative costs for this project. Ann Chaffin says, “ Frank served in the Army and Air Force for 22 years. He is one of 40 veterans in our country who has benefited from this program. Our goal is to help homeowners age in place and help them to continue to live in their home.”
Frank says, “The stair lifts have made a difference in my life. The lifts are a very good product I am pleased to use and I appreciate it very much.”
For more information and to contact Rebuilding Together affiliates in Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha, Fremont and Washington county) call the National Office at 800.473.4229 or visit their web site: www.rebuildingtogether.org/
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