The Home Depot Foundation awarded Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta a $235,000 grant to continue providing no-cost critical home repairs for veterans in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties, the organization announced Saturday, July 11.

The new funding builds on work already underway. In 2025, a prior Home Depot Foundation grant allowed Habitat NWMA to complete repairs for 13 veteran households, improving living conditions for 26 individuals across the three-county service area.

One of those families: Luther and Angela Washington of Mableton.

Luther Washington, a former U.S. Army sergeant and combat engineer, served 14 years and completed multiple tours of duty. He lives with a 70 percent service-connected disability. He and Angela, married 35 years, founded the Family Life Restoration Center on Mableton Parkway in 2006. The nonprofit runs a food pantry, emergency lunch program, and financial assistance services for Cobb County families, and also serves as a bus voucher distribution site for the MUST Ministries winter warming shelter.

Over time, the Washingtons' home developed safety and accessibility problems that Luther's disability made difficult to address on their own. In 2025, Habitat NWMA's Veteran Repair Program completed critical repairs on the home, restoring safe living conditions for the couple.

Habitat NWMA CEO Kyle Huhtanen, who became CEO in February 2025, called the continued partnership "an incredible honor," saying the repairs "bring stability to families who are experiencing difficult life transitions."

What the repairs look like

Projects funded through the program include roof, porch, window, deck, and driveway repairs; insulation and weatherization; and accessibility modifications such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and accessible bathroom renovations for disabled veterans.

The work addresses real dangers. Unsafe conditions can lead to falls and injuries, and exposure to wood rot, mold, and weather damage can worsen health problems. About half of U.S. veterans are 65 or older, according to data cited by The Home Depot Foundation, and many live on fixed incomes or with service-connected disabilities.

Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has invested more than $600 million in veteran causes nationwide and improved more than 65,000 veteran homes and facilities. The foundation has pledged to reach $750 million by 2030.

The new $235,000 grant will fund continued repairs for veterans across Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties. Information on how veterans can apply was not included in the announcement; residents can visit habitatnwma.org for program details.

Community calendar

  • Saturday, July 18: Back-2-School Summer Block Party, noon–4 p.m., Redbud Blossom Family Justice Center, 277 Fairground St. SE, Marietta. Free school supplies, backpacks, haircuts, food from Whataburger, and live music.
  • Saturday, July 25: Cobb Sheriff's 5th Annual Back-to-School Cobb Bash, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta.
  • Thursday, July 30: East Cobb Civic Association general membership meeting, 7 p.m., Wellstar East Cobb Health Park, 3747 Roswell Road, Room 115, Marietta.
  • Friday, July 31: Glover Park Concert Series, Seven Bridges Eagles Tribute Band, 8–10 p.m., Glover Park, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta. Free.
  • Saturday, August 8: 21st Annual Dog Days 5K, 7:30 a.m., McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA, 1055 E. Piedmont, Marietta. Hosted by the Rotary Club of East Cobb.